What constitutes an "Emergency Call"

But yea, you definitely have a good point about custom emergency numbers. I just replied to your post because it was at the bottom, LOL. I would hate to have to use an iPhone in an emergency. It probably would have a delay on the typing, the call probably wouldn't go through and touch screen would not allow you to hit the call button. That would be my luck. Hopefully they fix these 2.0 bugs soon.

StevenB4 wrote:
that has always been like that since the release of the first iphone

actually for a while I noticed that if the phone is locked your call time was limited, and if you didnt enter in the passcode it would kill the call... I have not looked but neither seen this working in the newer firmware

There is no excuse for the behaviour of the Emergency Calls button. None. How anyone can defend it is beyond me.

'112' is the international GSM standard emergency number... if you dial this number from any GSM phone, it will route you to the appropriate emergency number in the country that you're in (eg. 911 in the US, 000 in Australia - etc.)

Apple merely need to program in the allowable combinations - just like every other phone manufacturer on the planet - 112, 911, 000 - etc.

Allowing any call to be made from a "locked" phone is preposterous and, if designed that way (which it appears to be), needs to be changed. Whether classed as a bug or a "feature" - it needs to be changed.

And for those that say lock the SIM... how does one do that, and still receive calls? Locking the SIM means that the GSM part of the phone is inoperative (other than for emergency calls).

Oh, and good luck trying to get the $5+ dollars per minute calls to premium numbers credited back to your account by your service provider that the thief is likely to call.

Yes, its a known security hole.

Apple will undoubtedly patch this in the next update. For now, if the hole is a concern for you, simply change the preference for the double tap of the home button.

Changing it to iPod controls, for example, will close the security hole until the next patch.

Another Question. What happens if I were to call somebody using the emergency feature that doesn't have AT&T. Is this a free call or do they realize I'm not calling an emergency number and bill me accordingly.

I'm not saying I'd do this because I have plenty of minutes, I'm just curious.

23circles

It is only supposed to be able to call 911.

Message was edited by: WHiTExLoTuS

I can confirm that my phone also does this - press emergency call, and it'll let you dial and call any number. Obviously a bug!

(iPhone 3G 16GB, V2 software 5A347)

that has always been like that since the release of the first iphone

But I also think that when you have no reception/signal you will only be able to call the 911/999 etc.

I agree. The passcode only exists to protect personal data. There is a reason Apple doesn't call it a "lock".

If you don't want people making phone calls, use the simlock feature. It will require a code before making calls to unlock the sim card. Setting -> Phone -> SIM Pin

If your iPhone or any phone is lost or stolen, the first call made should be to your cellular provider to report it and if stolen, this should be followed by a call to the police.

Necessary security for what? How am I made safer by preventing someone from using my phone as a phone?