Apple patent shows future iPhones can act as emergency beacons without signal

      A new Apple patent shows that in the future, iPhones can use cell phone signals, Wi-Fi or other nearby devices to obtain emergency distress signals in a variety of ways, and extend battery life until help arrives. Existing iPhones can send out distress alerts, but Apple is planning to develop new methods to help users who cannot get regular cell phone coverage or have problems. A new emergency power saving mode (EPSM) will be able to broadcast distress signals in a variety of different ways while also minimizing battery usage to keep the device working normally until the user is rescued.

　　Apple's US patent number is 20200015169, and its name is "Enhanced Emergency Beacon Transmission Procedure". Apple stated in the patent description that users usually carry smartphones or tablets with them, and these devices may accompany users to remote areas. Users may want to broadcast emergency beacons in locations not covered by cellular services. "

　　Apple hopes that this patent may become a universal standard. Apple said that the technology in this patent is also applicable to mobile devices such as PlayStation Portable, smart glasses and Android phones. Apple said that users may get lost or injured while hiking and may use the emergency beacon broadcast function to notify other users or base stations in the area. The emergency beacon broadcast function provided by this patent can use the off-grid radio service (OGRS) function to alarm or request possible rescue when there is no active connection to a base station or other wireless access point.

　　In Apple's patent, users can choose to turn on emergency power saving mode manually. Or they can pre-select to turn it on automatically when the battery level drops below a specified amount. In either case, once enabled, EPSM will turn off the device display, which is one of the biggest battery drainers. The second part of the process involves how to broadcast emergency signals. This includes trying to find and use nearby cell services or local wi-fi networks. Device-to-device (D2D) communication can also be carried out through off-grid radio services (OGRS).