I don’t believe this is live yet, but Apple built in the capability to request emergency help/rescue through satellite directly into the iPhone.

T-mobile and SpaceX also announced that they’ll support texts through satellite and all existing mobile devices would be eligible.

I am really happy to see that slowly we are starting to close these communication gaps in remote areas. I hope to see many rescue stories come out where people’s own personal devices were able to save them.

Though if someone is planning something more intense than a day hike on an established trail, it is important to have a backup on hand in case your phone dies or is broken.