Apple released iOS 26 on Sept. 15, a few months after the company announced it at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June. The update introduces a handful of new features to your iPhone, like call screening, new ringtones and more. The update also brings more customization options to your lock screen.
With the release of iOS 18, you could remove and change the controls on your lock screen, a welcome upgrade if you ever found yourself accidentally pressing your flashlight control when putting your phone back in your pocket.
With iOS 26, you can move your lock screen widgets, increase the size of your clock and give your lock screen wallpaper a 3D spatial effect.
Here’s how to bring these changes to your lock screen and what to know about each.
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Change the size of your lock screen’s clock
Table of Contents
- Change the size of your lock screen’s clock
- Expand and Customize Your clock
- Your lock screen’s widget dock can have a new home
- iPhone SOS Emergency SOS via Satellite: How It Works and what It Costs
The biggest change iOS 26 brings to your lock screen is the ability to change the size of your clock. The expanded clock takes up about a third of my iPhone 16 Pro’s screen at most, which I love as if I place my phone on a table, I can easily see the time, even without my glasses. But you have to enable what I like to call big clock.
Here’s how to expand the clock on your lock screen.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Wallpaper.
## iOS 26 Sneak Peek: Customize Your Clock and More on the Lock Screen
Apple’s iOS 26 is bringing some exciting new customization options to the iPhone lock screen, giving you more control over its look and feel.Here’s a look at what’s coming:
Expand and Customize Your clock
One of the biggest changes is the ability to expand the clock on your lock screen. This isn’t just about making it bigger; expanding the clock opens up a new menu for adjusting its font and color.
Your lock screen’s widget dock can have a new home
Another change iOS 26 brings to your lock screen is the ability to move the lock screen’s widget dock. the update lets you place the dock near the bottom of your lock screen right above your controls.
iPhone SOS Emergency SOS via Satellite: How It Works and what It Costs
Published: 2025/09/21 10:21:34
Understanding Emergency SOS via Satellite
Apple’s Emergency SOS via Satellite feature, introduced with the iPhone 14, is a potentially life-saving tool that allows you to send text messages to emergency services when you’re outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. This guide explains how it effectively works, what it costs, and what you need to know to use it effectively.
How Does It Work?
When you’re in a remote location without cellular or Wi-Fi, your iPhone can connect directly to a satellite network. here’s a breakdown of the process:
- Connecting to Satellites: Your iPhone 14 or later model connects to Globalstar satellites.
- Short Message Service (SMS): The feature uses specially designed text messages, optimized for low bandwidth.
- Triage Questionnaire: You’ll answer a series of questions to assess your situation. This details is relayed to emergency responders.
- Relaying Information: Apple works with emergency service providers to relay your location and responses.
- Text-Based communication: Communication is primarily text-based due to the limited bandwidth of satellite connections.
it’s meaningful to note that a clear view of the sky is essential for a accomplished connection. Obstructions like trees, mountains, or buildings can interfere with the signal.
Which iPhones Support Emergency SOS via Satellite?
Currently, the following iPhone models support Emergency SOS via Satellite:
- iPhone 14
- iPhone 14 Plus
- iPhone 14 Pro
- iPhone 14 Pro Max
- iPhone 15
- iPhone 15 Plus
- iPhone 15 Pro
- iPhone 15 Pro Max
Cost and subscription Details
Initially, Emergency SOS via Satellite was included free for two years with the purchase of an iPhone 14. The subscription model has evolved.
Current Subscription Costs (as of September 2025)
- Monthly Subscription: $14.99 per month.
- Annual Subscription: $119.88 per year (equivalent to $9.99 per month).
- Family Plan: A family plan allows you to share the subscription with up to five family members.
The subscription covers both Emergency SOS and Roadside Assistance via Satellite (where available). You can suspend a monthly subscription at any time, and annual subscriptions automatically renew unless canceled.
Using the Feature: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to use Emergency SOS via Satellite:
- Open the Emergency SOS Interface: Press the side button and either volume button simultaneously.
- Select “Emergency SOS via Satellite”: Swipe to confirm.
- Answer the Triage Questions: Follow the on-screen prompts to describe your emergency.
- Connect to a Satellite: Your iPhone will guide you on how to point your phone towards a satellite.
- Send Your Message: Once connected, your answers will be sent to emergency responders.
The iPhone also includes a demo mode to help you practice connecting to a satellite without actually contacting emergency services.
Roadside Assistance via Satellite
In addition to emergency services, the satellite connectivity can also be used for Roadside Assistance via Satellite. This feature is available through AAA in the US and other roadside assistance providers in other regions.
Key Features of Roadside Assistance via Satellite
- Request assistance: You can request help with a dead battery, flat tire, or being locked out of your vehicle.
- Provider Connection: Your request is routed to your roadside assistance provider.
- Location Sharing: Your location is shared with the provider for efficient service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Does Emergency SOS via Satellite work everywhere?
- A: No. Coverage is currently available in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Austria, Italy, Australia, and japan. Apple is continually expanding coverage.
- Q: What if my emergency isn’