If you are in the United States, your iPhone is going to make a very loud noise tomorrow, Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at approximately 2:20 p.m. Eastern / 11:20 a.m. Pacific. If you are an attorney and you will be in court, a deposition, or any other official proceeding at that time, and if it would be obnoxious for your iPhone to play that noise at that time, consider turning off your iPhone before that time or putting your device in Airplane Mode.
Why is this happening? Every once in a while, the federal government tests its Wireless Emergency Alerts system, which is the cellphone version of the Emergency Alert System-style warnings that you have seen and heard for a long time on television and radio when there is a weather or other emergency. If your iPhone is turned on and connected to a cell tower in the United States, then you will receive the test alert tomorrow. Two years ago, I wrote a full post that explains the Wireless Emergency Alerts system, so click that link if you want more information about what is going to happen to your iPhone and the smartphones around you tomorrow. You can also learn more from this page on the FCC’s website.
[UPDATE 10/4/2023: In my office, the alert came early, at 1:18 p.m. Central.]
Thanks for this notification- had no idea and greatly appreciate the heads up. Take care.