AT&T is rolling out a software update for iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, and -- in certain areas -- iPhone 4 handsets, enabling Wireless Emergency Alerts.
In a blog post announcing the software update, the carrier explains:
These are government-issued safety messages that include AMBER Alerts, emergency alerts -- such as manmade or natural disasters, and Presidential alerts.
Though Presidential alerts can't be disabled, iPhone users have the option of switching off AMBER alerts and Emergency alerts in the Notifications section of the built-in Settings app.
AT&T continues:
When the software update is delivered to your phone, you will see a message that states "Carrier Settings Update: new settings required for your device have been installed."
The carrier update will be sent over-the-air (OTA) for iPhone users running iOS 6.1 or later. If you're on an earlier version of Apple's mobile operating system, AT&T's update will be downloaded and installed when your handset is next connected to iTunes.
Have you received AT&T's carrier update yet?