One of the new features of the iPhone 14 is accident detection, allowing emergency services to be automatically alerted. However, the feature lacks precision: in Japan, more than a hundred false calls have been triggered, which might prevent emergencies from responding to real accidents.
The iPhone 14 can detect collisions and contact emergency services if the user does not react. A function that can really save lives and available on iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch SE (2nd generation) as well as on theApple Watch Ultra. However, the stories of false positives are multiplying, as reported 9to5Mac.
Kita Alps firefighters received 134 false calls in one month
The English-language media writes that “Kita Alps firefighters in Nagano, Japan, said they received 134 false calls between December 16 and January 23“. False positives mainly due to the crash detection system of the iPhone 14.
The system is triggered by skiers going down the slopes. During this period, the Japanese emergency services received 919 calls and the hundred related to iPhone represents more than a tenth of the workload. When the function engages, a countdown and a siren start to inform the user and give him the possibility of deactivating it. Otherwise, the automatic call for help is launched. During certain physical activities, in particular sliding, it may happen that the user does not hear the siren and therefore cannot deactivate it.
Cases that are multiplying all over the world
This is not the first story of false positives relayed in the media. Colorado trail rescue finds itself overwhelmed by the automatic calls of the iPhone 14. A YouTuber had tested accident detection and demonstrated that the system was too sensitive. Another problem noted: roller coasters also cause problems. Their behavior, combining speed, acceleration or sudden stops, resembles that of a car in an accident, which deceives the iPhone.
The concern is that the emergency services have an obligation to intervene: when in doubt, they cannot ignore the calls received which can actually be caused by real accidents. Several other stories tell how this detection system saved lives. However, the time and resources involved in rescuing people who are very well can make real accidents worse.
According to the English media, Apple would be in contact with various local emergency services to investigate and resolve concerns. The latest version of iOS, iOS 16.2 was deployed at the end of December and added “Collision detection optimizations on iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro models ».
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