Apple has filed a patent that envisions a system where users can activate a 'Panic Mode' on their iPhone using a specific finger that gives users instant access to emergency services.The mode could also execute commands such as telling the iPhone to completely lock down, limiting access to personal data if a user is being forced to unlock their iPhone.It is currently possible to enrol up to five different fingerprints to unlock an iPhone, so users would just have to designate which is the “emergency” print in the Touch ID settings.In the patent, Apple's outlines a situation in which a thief attempts to rob someone's iPhone from them to gain access to their personal and private data stored within – the user being robbed quickly placing the panic mode finger on Touch ID so the thief can't access any data.”In some embodiments, the mobile device 104 may be activated into the panic mode in emergency situations to act as a beacon. If there is a nearby device, the nearby other device (e.g., a PDA carried by another person, a computer in an automobile, etc.) can be alerted with an alarm so that the user of the other device might come to the aid of the user initiating the panic mode.For example, triggering the panic mode can send out a signal on multiple frequencies, channels, links, etc., to provide location information relative to other devices so that users of the other devices can provide assistance. Furthermore, as discussed in more detail below, the panic mode may include a locator function that uses, for example, global positioning systems (GPS) and/or cellular location systems to provide the location of the mobile device 104 to emergency response providers.”The patent also describes a klaxon that blares until a user confirms that they're safe.

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