Apple’s Crash Detection is a groundbreaking safety feature available on select iPhone and Apple Watch models. Designed to detect severe car accidents, it can automatically alert emergency services—even if you’re unable to respond.
What Is Crash Detection?
Crash Detection leverages advanced sensors and algorithms to identify serious collisions. If a crash is detected, your device will display an emergency prompt. If you don’t respond within 20 seconds, it will automatically call for help and share your location with emergency responders and your designated contacts. The technology relies on:
- Accelerometers and gyroscopes
- Barometer and microphone data
- GPS tracking
- Machine learning models trained in Apple’s crash test simulations
It can recognize various collision types, including rear-end impacts, rollovers, and side crashes. However, Apple notes that not all accidents may be detected.
Supported Devices
Crash Detection is available on:
- iPhone 14 or newer (iOS 16+)
- Apple Watch Series 8, SE (2nd gen), Ultra, or later models (watchOS 9+)
Using CarPlay may enhance the feature’s accuracy.
Global Availability
While Crash Detection works worldwide, some regions require manual confirmation (such as pressing a button) before contacting emergency services. Even in these cases, your emergency contacts will still be notified.
How It Works
Automatic Activation: The feature is always on for supported devices.
Impact Detection: Sensors monitor for sudden forces up to 256Gs.
Response Window: After a crash, the device waits 10 seconds for user input.
Emergency SOS: If no response is detected, it initiates an emergency call and shares your location.
Crash Detection remains active even in Low Power Mode, ensuring continuous protection.
Privacy Considerations
All crash-related data is stored securely on your device and is never shared without your permission.
For those who prefer to disable the feature, it can be turned off in the Emergency SOS settings on iPhone or within the Watch app on your paired device.
Apple continues to refine this technology, making it an essential tool for driver safety.
