More specifically, this is an implementation of Enhanced 911, Phase 2. Support for Phase 2 will be required in the US next year. 911 service has gone through

More specifically, this is an implementation of Enhanced 911, Phase 2. Support for Phase 2 will be required in the US next year. 911 service has gone through a few different capability upgrades. Basic 911: You communicate the nature of the emergency and it's location by voice. Enhanced 911: The call center receives your landline phone number and looks up your address from a database. E911 Phase 1: The call center receives the mobile phone number and the location of the cell tower taking the call. E911 Phase 2: The call center receives the mobile phone number and the phone's location. http://www.marioncoks.net/Departments/EmergencyCommunications/WhatisPhaseIIEnhanced911/tabid/7542/Default.aspx http://www.marioncoks.net/Departments/EmergencyCommunication... Apple is simply implementing the new standard here.