The iPhone 14, new Apple Watches, and iOS 16 were all announced during Apple’s “Far Out” event. At the event, Apple introduced the public to new features like Crash Detection. These new products and features were met with a general sense of satisfaction and excitement, as something about this event felt different than previous years. Now that the products and services have been out for a while, we’ve had a chance to bug test them and explore theirs limits. Users have been reporting that there’s a bug with Crash Detection when on roller coasters. But what exactly happens? Read on to find out more.
What Is the iPhone 14 and Apple Watch Crash Detection Feature?
Crash Detection is a feature that came with iOS 16 that alerts authorities when Apple believes you’ve been involved in an automobile accident. The company creates advanced algorithms by collecting millions of data reports, however false positives are always positives. Authorities across the US have been experiencing an uptick in reports at fairgrounds and theme parks where there are roller coasters. Of course, members of the public are encouraged to put their phones in a tray before getting on a roller coaster, but these incidents do occur. Roller coasters somehow trick the feature with their speed changes, loud noises, and pressure changes to alert police that the iPhone or Apple Watch user has been in a “severe car crash”. There are a few workarounds and things you can do to prevent this, though.
How to Fix the iPhone 14 and Apple Watch Crash Detection Bug on Roller Coasters
There isn’t a setting or technique you can implement to prevent Crash Detection from triggering during a roller coaster. We do expect that Apple will fix this issue in a later software update, as leaving it unfixed could be extremely detrimental to emergency service resources. In the meantime, try these things to help prevent the iPhone 14 and Apple Watch Crash Detection bug:
Airplane Mode: Turning on Airplane Mode means that your device has no cellular service or advanced functionality. If you insist on bringing your iPhone 14 or Apple Watch on a roller coaster, simply turn on Airplane Mode, and you won’t have to worry. You can turn it off for normal functionality afterward.
Disable Crash Detection: You can disable Crash Detection by going to Settings > Emergency SOS > turn off Crash Detection. We would only recommend doing this while you’re in the theme park and re-enabling it after you leave. You may forget it’s off, which could be extremely detrimental in case you actually do get in a crash later.
Leave Your iPhone or Apple Watch: The simplest method to prevent the iPhone 14 and Apple Watch Crash Detection bug on roller coasters is to simply follow the supervisors’ instructions and leave it in the tray before you get on the ride.
Other New iPhone 14 and iOS 16 Features
Here are some other new iPhone 14 and iOS 16 features that you may not have known about:
Repairability
The new iPhone 14 is much more repairable than previous iterations, allowing you to open both the front and back panels to access the phone’s insides. This is a great step towards sustainability and helping users keep their beloved smartphones for longer. Along with the iPhone 14, the new Apple Watch Ultra features external screws on the back, which means you can also access the battery and other hardware for repairs.
New Security Features
A big part of the new updates is the security features that users can enjoy to ensure they stay safe while using their devices. One of these features, Safety Check, allows you to revise all of your applications’ permissions and update your passwords. To access it, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Safety Check. Once there, there’s also an Emergency Reset service that allows you to reset all of your permissions to factory settings. Alongside Safety Check, you can automatically update security patches without having to go through a whole software update. To enable this, go to Settings > General > Software Update > Automatic Updates > toggle on Security Responses & System Files.
Emergency SOS Via Satellite
Emergency SOS Via Satellite is a crucial service that allows you to contact emergency services even without cellular data or WiFi. If you’re in a secluded area without cellular data, try calling 911 (the service is only available in the US). If you can’t connect, then an icon will pop up with an Emergency Text Via Satellite option. You can answer a questionnaire to specify your emergency more, and Apple will redirect your GPS location and the answers you provided to the relevant authorities. This is great for those who are in precarious situations where they can’t make a phone call, or for those out in nature with little cellular service.
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