Apple Inc. filed a patent that will allow users to set up their security levels and profile settings based on their location.
The Apple Insider obtained a copy of the patent application filed by the iPhone maker in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Thursday. The patent is titled Location-sensitive security levels and setting profiles based on detected location.
The system will automatically adjust the hardware and software settings of the device based on the location of the user. For instance, users can set up their device to request for passcode to unlock and fingerprint sensor when in public areas or at work.
According to the filing, the device will detect location through mobile data, Wi-Fi connection, GPS, and even Bluetooth. However, users can only pick two "location aspects" for more accurate location detection.
In addition, the feature is also designed to have its own "location context" which will let the device decide whether to switch to a lower-level security or stricter verification. For example, if the device connects to an open Wi-Fi or unsecured Bluetooth, even if the user is at home, the device will still ask for fingerprint or Touch ID authentication. Users can also setup the apps that will require more protection such as the Calendar and Contacts.
Location-based security settings seem promising and it even becomes more interesting as users can also use the same feature to customize their profile settings. Users can set up their device to open apps that they commonly use on a particular location and disable some apps as well. For example, the FaceTime app can be displayed as the first app when in the public area and disable their games when at work.
The patent was first filed in 2012 and developed by Alexander Reitter, David Amm, Julian Missig and Raymond Walsh.
