Apple iOS 10.2 includes India Specific SOS button

Apple’s latest iOS update, iOS 10.2, has a ‘special feature’ for the company’s users in India. The update brings in the India-specific distress call ‘SOS’ button feature to iPhones in the country.

Although the official changelog does not mention the SOS button feature, users in India can see the option after the update under the Settings>General menu.

Triggering the SOS will directly call the 112 number, as specified by the government. The number will also be saved in the handset’s contact automatically as Distress Number. However, using the feature won’t be of any use now as the 112 emergency number will be adopted by India in January next year.  Under the option, users can customize the SOS settings such as how many times you will have to press the Power button to make the Emergency SOS call, whether to sound a countdown for that or not, etc. For example, by pressing the power button rapidly, a phone call to 112 will be made.

This update will be available for iPhone 5 and later devices, iPad fourth generation and later devices, and iPod touch 6th generation and later devices. Head over to Settings > General > Software Update to download and install the new update. Alternatively, you can even update via iTunes. First install iTunes, and then connect your iOS device to your PC or Mac. In iTunes select your device’s icon on the top bar, Click the Summary tab and then click Check for update. Now, click Download and update. At this point, you should follow the simple on-screen instructions to install iOS 10.2. Ensure that you have at least 50 percent battery backup, and a strong Wi-Fi connection when attempting to update. Don’t forget to backup your iOS device before you download and install the update.