Apple introduced the Crash Detection feature in the latest Apple Watch and iPhone 14 models, which would immediately call for emergency dispatchers once the device detected an accident.
However, the supposedly life-saving feature turned out to be a head-scratcher, with multiple reports of erroneous 911 calls triggered by this feature. As Apple continues to improve Crash Detection, the company told users not to drop an accidental call that was initiated by their device.
Apple Wants to Prevent Further Confusion When False Emergency Call is Made
Apple has provided optimizations for the Crash Detection feature through iOS 16 updates. While it is not yet certain whether these updates have completely fixed the problem, the Cupertino Big Tech also provided recommendations for iPhone and Apple Watch users with Crash Detection support, saying that users should not hang up if the device has already made a false emergency call. Instead, users should wait for the emergency responder to answer the call and then explain why the call was made, as per MacRumors.
"If the call has been made, but you don't need emergency services, don't hang up. Wait until a responder answers, then explain that you don't need help," Apple stated in the Crash Detection support document.
This recommendation appears to replace a line that was previously included in the Crash Detection support files. The said line suggested that users should drop the call within the timer period. Specifically, users were instructed to "tap Cancel and confirm that you don't need emergency services" during an accidental call.
With this, it is clear that Apple had a change of heart on what it thinks is the best way to deal with false emergency calls. When the user cancels the emergency call when responders already answered it, it makes them confused about the nature of the call. They could still end up dispatching emergency personnel to check if everything is going well with the caller.
Related Article: Apple is Improving the Crash Detection Feature on iPhones Again
The Downside of Apple's Crash Detection Feature
The Crash Detection feature was first announced by Apple at last year's Far Out event. The feature was well-received then, as it prioritizes the user's safety by connecting to emergency services at once to provide details about the user's current location, as well as to notify the user's emergency contacts. Crash Detection is supported by iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, Apple Watch Series 8, Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch SE.
Crash Detection will allow these Apple devices to detect and measure the crash through "feeling" and "hearing" the surroundings. This is made possible by the latest technology used in these devices like gyroscopes, accelerometers, microphones and barometers. Crash Detection also uses real-world data to determine the situation.
Unfortunately, the feature may not be very reliable as it is blamed for the high number of accidental calls near mountain slopes where people go skiing and snowboarding. It is because these activities emulate motions that the feature mistakenly detects as crash incidents.
