New iOS 11 Security Feature Can Quickly Dial 911, Disable Touch ID
A newly discovered iOS 11 security feature allows iPhone users to quickly hit the power button five times to discretely dial 911. It also will temporarily disable Touch ID.
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! pic.twitter.com/uvWbM04lyk
— Kia☆ (@alt_kia) August 17, 2017
First discovered by Twitter user @alt_kia, pressing the power button five times in rapid succession will bring up a quick screen where you can slide the Emergency SOS button to make a call to emergency services. You can customize the feature in setting to automatically make the call or are required to move the slider.
Interestingly, the feature also disables Touch ID and requires a passcode to be entered before gaining access to the iPhone. That adds another layer of protection for users if they feel threatened.
Currently in beta testing, iOS 11 is scheduled to arrive sometime this fall.
More iOS 11 Features
