Festival Attendees Can No Longer Mosh In Peace After New Apple Watch Update

Police and first responders were prepared for a certain amount of incidents to happen on the fair grounds of Bonnaroo this past weekend. The music and arts festival has been taking place in Manchester, Tennessee for over twenty years. However, they were not anticipating the excessive number of 911 calls that they received. 

The reason: Apple’s new crash detection feature. The updated component of iPhones and Apple watches detects any extreme accelerations or decelerations. When it receives the signal, it dials 911 automatically and gives users 20 seconds to decline the call before reporting to local police. 

After multiple unnecessary calls came in, the police concluded that the notifications were all coming from one place: Bonnaroo. A number of mosh pits and dancing triggered many of the alerts. Loud music, great vibes and,*eh hem* mood altering substances most likely aided in distracting watch wearers from noticing the alert. 

Early into the weekend,  local officials and festival organizers made a statement asking attendants to turn off this feature if they want to mosh in peace.  

If you are looking to turn this feature off on your own device, you can do so by going to Settings --> Emergency SOS --> deactivate the Crash feature.

Other fast paced activities have been the catalyst of an influx of 911 calls at centers across the country. From roller coasters to skiing, the new detection system has come under fire for being a little too sensitive. Apple is planning on addressing this issue for upcoming updates. 

Manchester Police saw a steady decline in crash alerts after the festival made their statement. As for the festival itself, the number of mosh pits was thankfully not affected by the change in iPhone settings.  

Most of the time, if you're traveling outside of the U.S., you need a current passport to do it. But there are some places outside of the country where you can visit without a passport.  And that's good news for many Americans. A significant portion of Americans, roughly 55 percent, do not possess one.

Last year, the State Department reported that out of the 333,287,557 individuals residing in the United States, an estimated 55 percent, or a substantial portion, did not possess a passport. This figure, based on the total number of 151,814,305 valid U.S. passports in circulation, highlights the fact that a significant majority of Americans have yet to get one.

You don't always need a passport to visit some awesome places. There are U.S. islands and territories, like the breathtaking U.S. Virgin Islands, where you can hop on a plane and explore without a passport. However, it's important to note that the travel landscape can sometimes be confusing, as there are other U.S. territories, like Guam, where a passport is necessary for entry.

When it comes to closed-loop cruises, which are voyages departing from the U.S. and returning to the same port, travelers have a bit of leeway when it comes to passport requirements. According to Ilisa Oman, a travel agent at One World Family Travel, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) allows passengers on these cruises to travel without providing proof of a passport. Instead, a state-issued driver's license or identification card usually suffices.

Keep in mind that there are exceptions to this rule. It’s always best to check in with your cruise line for more information about your travels.

To make your trip planning a breeze, we've got your back with a list of cool destinations where you, as a U.S. citizen, can travel passport-free. Whether you don't have one or simply prefer to explore without the hassle of carrying one, we’ve got you covered.

This Caribbean island is part of the U.S. Puerto Rico has sandy beaches, mountains, waterfalls, and even a tropical rainforest. If you're a U.S. citizen traveling from anywhere within the U.S., you don't need to hassle with a passport to visit this paradise. It's worth mentioning that starting from May 2025, there's this thing called the Real ID Act that kicks in. If your state isn't compliant with this Act, you'll need to bring your trusty passport to explore the wonders of Puerto Rico. So, make sure to check if your state is all set with the Real ID Act before planning your trip.

If you're craving island vibes, you might want to check out St. Croix. It is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you won't need to worry about bringing your passport when traveling to and from this island.

The Northern Mariana Islands, a collection of 14 tropical wonders has sandy shores, azure waters, and an array of thrilling activities like windsurfing, cavern dives, and jungle treks. And yes, U.S. citizens can venture to these remote islands without the need for a passport. However, it's important to remember that you'll need to carry a government-issued proof of identification along with you during your visit.

St. Thomas, a Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches, snorkeling opportunities, and Danish colonial architecture. As a U.S. citizen, you won't need a passport to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands, which includes St. Thomas. However, it's important to note that if you plan to explore the neighboring British Virgin Islands, a valid passport will be required. For your adventures on St. Thomas, it only requires a government-issued ID with your photo.

St. John, the smallest of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This island is home to the  Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve, where you can embark on thrilling adventures like scuba diving, hiking, and even discover prehistoric archaeological sites. Since St. John is part of the U.S. Virgin Islands, you can leave your passport at home when traveling there.