14 DAY TRIAL // Apple has recently patented a new wireless security system for the iPhone that could help prevent its smartphones from being stolen from the Apple Store.
The patent application reveals that iPhones would be able to display a warning message on the screen whenever a potential thief gets near the outer limits of a pre-defined security area, which can be anything from a specific location or the entire store.
If the person carrying the iPhone leaves this area, the iPhone can use the wireless security system to send an alert to an administrator and even broadcast the location when a connection is available. The warning can be configured based on a series of settings, like the amount of time the iPhone can be outside this security area.
Loud audio alarm to point to the thief
Apple is also considering adding several other protection systems that would further enhance the wireless security feature.
For example, the Cupertino-based company wants iPhones to be automatically locked when an unauthorized person carrying the device steps outside the pre-defined area. Hardware buttons can be disabled, and a message on the screen would warn that the iPhone was stolen.
“This iPhone was removed from the store. Please give us a call so we can help you bring it back,” one message included in a patent drawing reads. “This device has been permanently disabled as it has been removed from store without authorization,” another one adds.
iPhones can also issue a loud audio alert whenever someone leaves the store with the protected device.
Needless to say, it’s important to keep in mind that this is a patent for the time being, and there’s no guarantee Apple wants to bring it to mass production. However, in the long term Apple really needs such a system given the incidents it had to deal with in various Apple Store locations.