The New iOS Update: False Alerts in Crash Detection, Siri for Find My, and HomePods for Search and Rescue
It’s not the first time Apple’s optimized Crash Detection. After it was reported that false alerts are triggered when iPhone owners ride on roller coaster rides, Apple released changes to the system in November. Apple didn’t explicitly say that the update was meant to solve false positives — nor has it said that the latest update is meant to address the issues with snow sports — though since it came out, there haven’t been too many stories of rollercoasters triggering crash alerts. Theme parks have a fair amount of parks close during the winter.
When it calls law enforcement, it will play an audio message that alerts authorities you’ve been in a crash, and also provides them with your location. (An Apple Watch with Crash Detection can only notify authorities if you have your iPhone with you, or if it’s connected to a mobile network or Wi-Fi.)
A demolition derby-style experiment was done last month where Apple’s Crash Detection feature was put to the test. While Crash Detection did recently help detect and alert authorities about a fatal crash in Nebraska, the feature clearly has its flaws.
If you are going to bring your phone on a ride, you might as well leave the device behind because the risk of false calls isn’t really a smart idea. If you have to, you can either put your phone in airplane mode or completely remove the feature.
Some search and rescue personnel are not comfortable with Apple setting off false alarms through the iPhone Crash Detection feature, since they think it will affect winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. The update also includes fixes for iCloud settings and Siri requests for Find My, and Apple has released new software for tvOS, HomePods, and the Mac as well.
False emergency alert can be serious and Apple is attempting to fix those as well. iOS 16.3.1’s release notes say it’s meant to fix an issue where Siri Find My requests weren’t working, and a 16.3.2 update for HomePods and Apple TVs is meant to address a problem where “asking Siri for smart home requests may fail.” The jury is still out on whether or not everything is working as it should, as one Verge staffer got a message saying he would have to use the app in order to find someone, even after updating his devices.
While you’re updating your phone, HomePods, and Apple TV, it’s probably worth updating your Mac as well. macOS Ventura 13.2.10 includes security updates and patches that the Apple company says may have been exploited.