iOS 11 has ‘panic button’ feature to use in an emergency, here’s how to access it
APPLE iOS 11 has a brand new 'panic button' feature if users ever need to call emergency services quickly.
iOS 11 is currently in the public beta testing phase, and Apple iPhone and iPad users have managed to stumble upon a new Panic Button feature.
The new iOS 11 feature lets users quickly call emergency services, like 911 or 999, by tapping the power button quickly five times.
This isn’t set on by default, but can be activated in the Settings menu and then going to Emergency SOS and enabling Auto Call.
After this feature is turned on, once the power button is tapped five times it brings up a screen with a large “SOS Emergency SOS” button.
It also brings up an option to temporarily disable Touch ID until a passcode is entered.
The new Panic Button feature was discovered by Twitter users and confirmed by The Verge.
If you wanted to temporarily disable Touch ID before, you’d have to restart an iPhone and wait a few days for an automatic prompt for the passcode.
You would then have to use a different finger a few times to force it to lock out, or disable Touch ID in settings.
The new method is a more discreet way of locking a phone, especially in a situation where you’re worried someone could force you to unlock your phone.
The Emergency SOS feature also can automatically send a message to “in case of emergency contacts”.
This lets them know that an emergency is taking place and notifies them of the user’s location.
The new feature is similar to Google’s Trusted Contacts app, which lets select contact know of the user’s location in an emergency.
However, Apple’s emergency feature comes with the added benefit of protecting iPhone data in case a user is being pressured to unlock it.
Twitter user @ait_kia discovered the new feature, which they described as a “cop button”.
They posted: “iOS 11 is a game-changer for Touch ID. Press power button rapidly 5 times and it opens the 2nd screen, but it also forces passphrase entry!”
The tweeter also shared photos of the emergency screens when you bring up the SOS Emergency feature.
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The news comes after Express.co.uk revealed when iOS 11, the upcoming blockbuster upgrade from Apple, may be launched.
iOS 11 was announced at the Apple's yearly WWDC developers conference earlier in the year with this major update bringing a host of new features to the iPhone and iPad.
The all-new operating system includes huge improvements with photography features, Siri and Apple Pay all receiving a major refresh.
Express.co.uk has been analysing previous events with Apple always pushing out its new operating system one week after the latest iPhone is unveiled.
Using past launches we are speculating that Apple will unveil its iPhone 8 on either September 6 or September 13.
This would mean that iOS 11 should be available on, or, before September 20.
It’s worth noting that this latest operating system isn’t compatible with all iPhone and iPad models and if you own an older device, such as the iPhone 5c, you’;ll have to stick with iOS 10.
Here's a full list of compatible products:
iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 5s
iPad 12.9‑inch iPad Pro, 10.5‑inch iPad Pro, 9.7‑inch iPad Pro, iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad 5th generation , iPad mini 4, iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2