What constitutes an "Emergency Call"

+"Emergency Calls+
+If iPhone is locked with a passcode, you may still be able to make an emergency call.+
+Make an emergency call when iPhone is locked: Tap Emergency Call, then dial the+
+number using the keypad.+
+Important: You should not rely on wireless devices for essential communications, such+
+as medical emergencies. Use of any cellular phone to call emergency services may not+
+work in all locations. Emergency numbers and services vary by region, and sometimes+
+an emergency call cannot be placed due to network availability or environmental+
+interference. Some cellular networks may not accept an emergency call from iPhone if+
+it doesn’t have a SIM, if you locked your SIM, or if you haven’t activated your iPhone."+
From Page 39 of the iPhone User Guide http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/iPhoneUserGuide.pdf

Remember guys, we in north america are not the only users of this device. Some other parts of the world do not have a 911 call system, some places use regular phone numbers or variants of some other 3 digit emergency number, so to lock the phone down to a 911 will not be compliant for other countries.

So posting a bug report will be pointless.

Message was edited by: Mac Pro 8core - x86

I'm in the UK, and we can use either 911 or 999, however, I can dial any number, even numbers that aren't in my contact list - which defeats the object of the passcode lock - as anyone stealing my iPhone can make phone calls even though the passcode lock is on!

The emergency call number should be able to be customised by the network operator so that the emergency calls button will only allow that and not unrestricted dialling.

And yes, it IS a bug, it shouldn't be working like that.

Message was edited by: Tellytart

You're right... as far as I know most countries in Europe use 112 as the universal emergency number. In Italy any of these is an emergency number:
113 generic
112, 117 law enf.
118 medical
115 firemen

This definitely isn't a bug. The emergency call has always allowed someone to call whatever number they wish. Though I do agree it would be best if Apple allowed only actual emergency related numbers but due to all the different emergency numbers in different countries I highly doubt they will change it.

This is a big security problem as I see it. I just called my brother from a locked phone, meaning if I loose is or it gets stolen anybody can make and receive phone calls, even international (they can make drug deals, phone terrorism, whatever, using my number!). My brother's SonyEricson emergency only let's him use 3 numbers (911 or for example in Russia it's 001 Fire, 002 Police, 003 Medical...). So I think it might not be a bug, as Apple sees it, but I never knew about it and now I'm not sure if it is safe, to use Apple;)

This is a big security problem as I see it.

The passcode lock is there to protect the personal data on the phone itself. It's not intended to prevent calls from being made from the phone.

Matt

Matthew Morgan wrote:

This is a big security problem as I see it.

It's not intended to prevent calls from being made from the phone.

I'm sorry, but this makes absolutely no sense to me, why not? And why other phones don't let you call anybody when they locked? What is more important, you pictures and texts being seen by someone? Or you being blamed for somebody's illegal activities using your phone #? Anyway, I think both and that's why you have a passcode, don't you?

semantics..
I believe the passcode is to prevent personal data and any useage of the phone.

However emergency numbers do vary in the United States even. 911 is most commonly used but there are state by state highway numbers as well (ex. *HP, or any of the * numbers you see on the road sides).

Therefore the most appropriate solution in my opinion is for Apple to correct this bug and restrict the emergency numbers to a specific list of user defined numbers AND any number such as *HP or 911 itself.

Otherwise the alternative is to get rid of the fn screen all together since it is pointless then.

don't you?

No.

The thing about the passcode lock on the iPhone is that it locks by itself after whatever period of time you set.

You've got to be careful with a feature like that.

Matt

I think if the iPhone were totally locked out from being able to make phone calls, then if something were to happen to you and someone was trying to access your "ICE" numbers, they wouldn't be able to get to them. How would anyone be able to call your emergency contacts. Of course I do want my data and personal stuff protected....but I do want someone to be able to find my "ICE" numbers if I were unconscious or something. Otherwise what purpose does the "ICE" numbers have?

The button isn't labeled "emergency" for your benefit. It's labeled that way for the guy who steals or finds your iPhone. I don't want the button labeled in a way to give that person any indication that they can use my phone.