Apple is currently testing the next version of its mobile operating system, iOS 11. One user on Twitter uncovered a new feature that allows a user to repeatedly press the power button in a rapid succession to bring up a slider to make an emergency SOS call. At the same time, Apple disables the Touch ID and requires you to enter a passcode to re-enable Touch ID functionality.
In order to disable Touch ID in prior releases, you had to either restart your iPhone, wait a few days for the passcode prompt to show up again, use an unregistered finger a few times to lock you out, or disable Touch ID in Settings. This new method is much cleaner and anyone needing to disable the feature can do it a lot quicker too.
Law enforcement across the world may not be too thrilled about this new functionality. Last year, it was reported by various outlets that police in the US found a way to 3D print a murder victim’s fingerprints in order to gain access to their iPhone. With iOS 11, anyone who would be compelled to open their phone up with their fingerprint could swiftly tap the power button five times to disable Touch ID.
Apple also plans to bring face unlocking with the upcoming iPhone 8; implementations on Android have been quite gimmicky and tend not to offer much security. With the new trick outlined in this article, users will be able to disable face unlocking too.