Google Pixel 9 may borrow iPhone's most advanced emergency feature

Google wants the next Pixel phone to be even closer to taking on the iPhone. The Pixel 9 could borrow one of the most advanced features of the iPhone: Emergency SOS. A new report has claimed that Google is planning to add an emergency communication feature similar to Apple’s Emergency SOS to the Pixel 9, as well as the next Pixel Fold. This would allow Pixel 9 and Pixel Fold 2 users to make calls and send texts using satellite communication in case of an emergency.

What is Google planning?

According to an Android Authority report, the emergency SOS feature on this year’s Pixel phone is currently in development. A video in the report shows the animation customers will see when they try to access the emergency service. There seems to be a series of questions that customers need to attend to before the phone can begin aligning with a satellite. The Pixel 9 (or the Pixel Fold 2) may ask about what has happened; if anyone is trapped or missing; if anyone has stopped breathing; and whether there is a fire or weapons involved, among others.

Google may partner with T-Mobile, one of the popular carriers in the US, to provide this feature. T-Mobile announced it teamed up with Elon Musk-led SpaceX for a satellite messaging service more than a year ago. The latest update on the service was in January when the company confirmed it was still testing the functionality. It is possible that the testing will be over by the time Pixel 9 arrives in October this year. However, another leak from a developer who spotted some codes in the Google Messages app said Google may use Garmin as the satellite service provider.

Will this emergency service be free on the Pixel 9?

Should Google decide to finally roll out a feature rivalling that on the iPhone, it may want to charge customers. Although, much like the iPhone, the first year may be free of cost, giving customers ample time to understand the features and whether it is useful. Apple recently extended the free trial period of its Emergency SOS via Satellite feature by another year.