iPhones left out: Why only Android devices received earthquake alerts
If you woke up this morning to a system push notification about an earthquake, you are likely an Android user. Expensive iPhones did not receive the alert because the Google Earthquake Alerts system utilizes built-in smartphone accelerometers to detect seismic waves, a feature not present in the Apple ecosystem.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.7 struck Egypt last night (between Sunday and Monday), around 03:00. Many Israelis discovered the event before opening news sites thanks to push notifications received by Android devices, including those in the center of the country. The reason only Android devices received the alert is due to Google's Earthquake Alerts system.
The system relies on more than two billion phones equipped with a built-in accelerometer—the same sensor responsible for detecting screen rotation. Beyond its regular role, the sensor is capable of detecting vibrations caused by seismic waves. When an earthquake occurs, two types of waves are emitted: P-waves, which travel at about four miles per second and are relatively weak, and S-waves, which travel at about half that speed but cause much stronger shaking.
As soon as P-waves begin to spread underground, smartphones detect the vibrations, collect data, and send it to Google's servers. The servers combine information from a large number of devices to confirm if an earthquake is occurring, determine its location, and calculate its magnitude. For the system to work effectively, phones must be in a stationary position, such as on a table or in a bag on the floor, rather than in the pocket of a person in motion.
The system is available in almost 100 countries. Countries like Japan, Mexico, Canada, and the United States operate government systems based primarily on regional networks of underground sensors, sending alerts to most phones through emergency settings. According to an article published in 2025, about 70% of all smartphones globally run on Google's Android operating system, allowing the detection system to function even in regions without other alert infrastructure.
Google began sending earthquake alerts via Android phones in 2021. The distance from the epicenter affects the alert time: the further people are from the earthquake, the greater the chance they will receive a warning before the tremors reach them. For those closest to the epicenter, the alert often arrives when the ground is already shaking.
iPhone users did not receive the alert, as Google's early warning system has no direct equivalent on the iPhone. Apple allows users to enable government emergency and public safety alerts, but it lacks its own earthquake detection network based on phone accelerometers. iPhone users can utilize third-party apps, such as Earthquake, to receive real-time information.
However, there is no cause for concern: in the event of a strong earthquake in Israel, the National Emergency Management Authority and the Geological Survey have installed a nationwide seismic sensor network. This system is connected to the Home Front Command's alert system. The Home Front Command app provides personal alerts based on your location, while the siren system activates a short alarm accompanied by a repeated voice announcement of "Earthquake" and safety instructions.
Just about a month ago, Google's system helped millions of citizens in Venezuela discover that a powerful earthquake was about to occur before it hit. While it is unclear how many lives were saved, videos circulated on social media showing people receiving the alert and exiting buildings just before the structures began to move.
