The iPhone can handle technologically impressive operations, but one of the newest features could even get better car security. With Apple Flaw Detection, the new iPhone 14 and Apple Watch can detect when a user been in a car accident and automatically dial 911. If the feature works as intended, it could save lives. However, critics have questioned its practicality. For example, other situations, such as safely moving roller coasters, have triggered 911 calls. But does Crash Detection work on cars?
New iPhones have confused roller coaster movements with car accidents
Apple’s fault detection is supposed to recognize car accidents using an accelerometer and gyro sensor inside an enabled iPhone or Apple Watch. At the time of writing, the feature is only available on the iPhone 14 and the latest Apple Watch. In theory, these devices can detect sudden changes in motion during a collision, triggering Collision Detection. After a short countdown, the iPhone or Apple Watch automatically dials 911 and gives authorities the user’s location, unless the user manually stops the iPhone call.
Sounds like a potentially life-saving feature in getting emergency personnel to the scene of an accident faster. However, Apple’s flaw detection has had some unintended consequences. According to the edge, an iPhone 14 recently called 911 because it detected a crash while its owner was on a roller coaster. The travel speeds and sudden changes must have mimicked the sensations of a collision enough to trigger the phone’s sensors. Because the user had kept his iPhone in them during the trip, they were unable to dismiss Shock Detection before he called 911.
So does Apple’s crash detection work in real car accidents?
The roller coaster incident highlights how Apple’s accident detection feature isn’t foolproof, but the real question is whether it can detect car accidents.
the Wall Street Journal conducted a fun yet informative crash detection test with a demolition derby driver crashing into parked vehicles to simulate real-world accidents. The test results were mixed. The iPhone and Apple Watch in the derby car would sometimes recognize a crash, but the iPhones in the parked vehicles could not detect the impacts.
However, there are also actual cases of accident detection helping accident victims. The Wall Street Journal cites a car crash in Pennsylvania in which an iPhone 14 using Crash Detection alerted authorities before anyone else. The accident was not fatal and Crash Detection did not necessarily save any lives. But this scenario shows how the feature could help.
A story involving a fatal accident in Nebraska and Crash Detection also made headlines recently. According to Apple insider information, six occupants were in the vehicle that crashed. No one witnessed the crash, but Crash Detection called 911. Only one occupant was still alive when emergency personnel arrived, but he later died of his injuries. Though tragic, this incident shows what Apple’s flaw detection can accomplish. Had the feature not alerted authorities, it could have been longer before anyone noticed the accident.
How do I disable Apple crash detection?
The examples above highlight the mixed results of Crash Detection in the short time the feature has been on the market. Although real-world scenarios have shown that it can detect car accidentsyou’ve overlooked others, and roller coasters can fool you.
If an iPhone or Apple Watch user is concerned about their device calling 911 outside of an emergency, they can disable crash detection. According to Apple, the feature is enabled by default. To disable it, go to Settings and Emergency SOS. Next, disable accident detection.
RELATED: 7 Dangerous Driving Habits You Must Give Up Before It’s Too Late