Roadside Assistance via Satellite Expands to Australia

Monday September 15, 2025 1:59 pm PDT by Juli Clover

Roadside Assistance via Satellite is now available in Australia, allowing Australian iPhone users to get help if their car breaks down in an area without Wi-Fi or cellular service.

apple roadside assistance
According to Apple, Roadside Assistance via Satellite can be used in Australia to get help from NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT, and AANT.

Using the feature requires an iPhone 14 or later with satellite capabilities, and iOS 18.4 or later. There continues to be no charge for Apple's satellite services, though customers who use Roadside Assistance will need to pay the fee of the company that responds.

Both Australians and international travelers who visit Australia are able to use the Roadside Assistance feature.

Prior to now, Roadside Assistance via Satellite was limited to the United States and United Kingdom. Apple says that it is working to bring the functionality to additional regions.

Tags: Australia, Emergency SOS via Satellite, iPhone Satellite Features

Popular Stories

Apple Leads Global Market for Satellite-Connected Smartphones

Thursday April 30, 2026 8:28 am PDT by Hartley Charlton

Apple remains the top manufacturer of satellite-capable smartphones globally, with such devices projected to reach 46% of all smartphone shipments by 2030, according to a new report from Counterpoint Research. The firm's Smartphone Satellite Connection Report finds that Apple kickstarted the satellite phone trend when it partnered with Globalstar to bring Emergency SOS via satellite to the...

• 18 comments

Apple and Amazon Ink Satellite Deal Amid Globalstar Takeover

Tuesday April 14, 2026 5:33 am PDT by Tim Hardwick

Amazon and Globalstar have announced a definitive merger agreement under which Amazon will acquire the satellite operator. News of the deal puts to bed questions about the fate of Apple's exclusive satellite connectivity partner, and reveals how Apple will still benefit. Alongside the acquisition, Amazon and Apple have signed a separate agreement for Amazon's Leo satellite network to power...

• 59 comments

iPhones to Get These New Satellite Features

Friday April 17, 2026 11:59 am PDT by Joe Rossignol

Amazon this week announced plans to acquire Globalstar, the satellite company that powers Apple's satellite features on the iPhone 14 and newer and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. In turn, Amazon announced that it has signed an agreement with Apple to provide satellite connectivity for current and future iPhone and Apple Watch features. The transaction, subject to regulatory approval, is expected...

• 45 comments

Top Rated Comments

Radeon85

8 months ago

Considering how large Australia is, I'm surprised it wasn't there already. Sod all coverage in the outback looking at their coverage map, so this should be great for a backup.

Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)

aussie-reader

8 months ago

''though customers who use Roadside Assistance will need to pay the fee of the company that responds.''

Did that really need clarifying? lol

That would probably be a "Yes" so people do not assume it would be free to all.

In Australia several of the services provided by satellite would usually be free to Australians. The Roadside Assistance would probably also be free (up to certain limits) if you are a member of any one of the organisations listed as they have sharing arrangements in place. If you are not a member then you may have to pay depending upon where you are needing help.

Travel insurance should cover most of the fees for non Australians again up to the limits of the policy.

There are also free regional services, for example if they are in the area that I manage all services provided are free 24x7 to everybody from anywhere as there is a high risk to people who become stranded for whatever reason and we do not want the issue of a future bill to stop them calling for help. We do accept donations though ...

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

kirky29

8 months ago

That would have been pretty handy for me a few years ago when I travelled for a few years! I broke down not far from Wolf Creek (Yes, that Wolf Creek) and another time a couple of hours away from Alice Springs. Fun times 🤣

Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)