Apple has expanded its Roadside Assistance via Satellite feature to Australia, making it available to iPhone users across the country as well as international visitors. The feature was first introduced in the United States in 2023 and later launched in the United Kingdom, and it now covers one of the largest markets where remote travel is common. This rollout marks a significant milestone in Apple’s broader strategy of extending iPhone satellite services to regions with vast rural or isolated areas.
According to Apple’s official support page, the feature integrates directly with local roadside service providers, including NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RAA, RAC, RACT, and AANT. iPhone owners who experience car trouble without Wi-Fi or cellular coverage can connect through satellite to request assistance. The system guides users step by step to send essential details, including vehicle type, issue description, and location, so providers can respond effectively.
The service requires an iPhone 14 or later running iOS 18.4 or newer. Apple does not charge users for satellite connectivity, but the roadside help itself is not free. Travelers will be billed according to the responding provider’s normal fees, unless they already have an active membership with that organization. This distinction is important, as Apple’s role is limited to providing the satellite link, while the assistance is carried out by established Australian roadside networks.
For Australians, this feature is particularly valuable due to the country’s geography. Large stretches of highways and rural roads often lack mobile coverage, creating situations where breakdowns can leave travelers stranded. By enabling direct access to roadside help even in those dead zones, Apple’s service improves safety for drivers, tourists, and long-distance commuters.
The expansion also highlights Apple’s broader push into satellite-enabled features for iPhone. Alongside roadside assistance, iPhone owners can already access Emergency SOS, satellite-based location sharing in Find My, and limited text messaging in emergencies. Each of these tools reinforces the iPhone as a reliable companion in scenarios where traditional connectivity fails. Apple has stated that it plans to bring satellite features to even more regions, positioning the iPhone as a leader in safety-focused innovation.
