The new feature is set to be added to iPhones and Apple Watches in 2022. Apple engineers are currently testing the feature which will see an algorithm use data from the devices’ built-in sensors to detect when there has been a change in g-force or gravity signalling that a vehicle may have crashed.
The Wall Street Journal reported that according to internal documents Apple is using 911 call data and sensor data from around 10 million iPhone and watch users to improve the accuracy of the feature. According to the documents, the data was voluntarily offered to Apple and did not contain personally identifiable information.
According to The Wall Street Journal, more tests are being carried out to ensure the car crash detection feature operates to the same high level as the fall detection feature on Apple Watches.