Apple Files Patent Describing ‘Panic Mode’ on iPhone

The United States Patent and Trademark Office has recently published a rather interesting patent application filed by Apple. The document describes a technology that allows to activate a special ‘panic mode’ on the iPhone with the help of special fingerprint. This special mode will allow to protect user’s data in case a robber forces the owner to unlock his phone, moreover, it will let the so-called ’emergency response providers’ take photos of the robber, determine the location of the handset and perform a number of other actions, for example, contacting police or letting a family member know about the situation.

Here’s what 9to5Mac reporters write about the ‘panic mode’ described in Apple’s latest patent.

In its most basic form, placing a specific finger on the Touch ID button would place the iPhone into a special locked-down mode, blocking access to personal data store on the phone – perhaps simulating a brand new phone.

Apart from that, the ‘panic mode’ may save the iPhone owner’s life after a serious accident or determine the location of a hiker who got lost in the mountains.

It is currently unknown whether the technology described in the latest patent will ever be used in the iPhone. Still, the addition of ‘panic mode’ may improve the security and reliability of the handset.