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Why doesn't Apple geofence the passcode lock?

T

theipodgod16

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Aug 10, 2003
379
57
Berkeley, CA
Obviously, to protect my data when out, I have my passcode lock on my iPhone. When I return home, it's a pain to have to key in my code just to unlock the phone every time I get a text.

Why can't Apple create a geofence? When I arrive home or work, at a predetermined location, disable the passcode lock. Anytime I leave the geofence, activate it.

It seems to be something that wouldn't be hard to do. I'm surprised nobody else has thought of this.

Discuss.

:apple:
 
You lazy person you lol. It takes a second to type in four digits, it's only SLIGHTLY slower then sliding p.
 
This already exists in the form of a Jailbreak tweak (forgotten what it is called) which disables the passcode lock when your iPhone connects to a predetermined WiFi network.

I like your idea, however, with the constant need for location services, wouldn't this affect battery life?

Also, it wouldn't really be needed if this rumoured fingerprint software turns out to be true.
 
jav6454 said:
What if i told you, many people live in apartments or dorms where roommates can look into your phone?
Click to expand...

I wasn't implying that it would be a required feature. Easy to enable/disable the geofence through location services.

----------
giraffeboy27 said:
This already exists in the form of a Jailbreak tweak (forgotten what it is called) which disables the passcode lock when your iPhone connects to a predetermined WiFi network.

I like your idea, however, with the constant need for location services, wouldn't this affect battery life?

Also, it wouldn't really be needed if this rumoured fingerprint software turns out to be true.
Click to expand...

I know nothing of the fingerprint software other than that there are rumors for there to be fingerprint software. Elaborate?
 
jav6454 said:
Nice feature, but will be a headache for many. Specially those who are very secretive with their stuff.
Click to expand...

Sure. But what about the majority of people who are barely protective? Making such a feature run in the background of the OS might cause people to take another step towards protecting data that they otherwise wouldn't.

Example: I used to do manual backups to a DVD. TimeMachine makes my life easier.
 
My company requires even the passcode, so it would be opposed to such a mechanism. My point is that they would lock out my phone from accessing their exchange servers because I'd not have to enter a passcode in some locations.

It can be a pain but once you get use to it, then its almost mindless to enter the code before doing anything
 
theipodgod16 said:
Sure. But what about the majority of people who are barely protective? Making such a feature run in the background of the OS might cause people to take another step towards protecting data that they otherwise wouldn't.

Example: I used to do manual backups to a DVD. TimeMachine makes my life easier.
Click to expand...

Majority of people? Source for that?

True. However, not many will take advantage of the feature due to not many people have GPS on their iDevices (Wi-Fi only iPads, iPod Touch)
 
jav6454 said:
Majority of people? Source for that?

True. However, not many will take advantage of the feature due to not many people have GPS on their iDevices (Wi-Fi only iPads, iPod Touch)
Click to expand...

That hasn't stopped Apple from making other features dependent on GPS, such as Reminders in iOS 5. Not to mention all the companies whose core business relies on it, such as Square.
 
jav6454 said:
Ahh, but such features are marketed towards the iPhone. But you are asking for an iPhone OS wide feature.
Click to expand...

No reason this feature couldn't be marketed towards the iPhone base. As an iPhone user, I'd stand to benefit. And so would millions of other people who buy Apples most popular product.
 
shenfrey said:
You lazy person you lol. It takes a second to type in four digits, it's only SLIGHTLY slower then sliding p.
Click to expand...

Just want to bring your attention to enterprise users who might be required to use complex passwords. While I like the OP's idea and welcome the option I wouldn't use it nor would my company permit it's use. Despite that user options are usually good things.
 
The battery would be utterly destroyed if it had to constantly check its location.

Suppose Apple made it so that it would only check when you looked at the lock screen....it would take longer to calculate the location then it would for you to just type in the passcode.
 
KeepCalmPeople said:
Exactly - battery drain is probably the biggest concern. I'd say the other issue is the unreliability of an accurate GPS fix.
Click to expand...

Well I do have to agree it is a little unreliable, but they do use it in their reminders app and it works alright (not all the time, but most of the time)
 
jav6454 said:
Majority of people? Source for that?

True. However, not many will take advantage of the feature due to not many people have GPS on their iDevices (Wi-Fi only iPads, iPod Touch)
Click to expand...

Core location doesn't just work via GPS or cellular.

It can use apple's database of WIFI locations via previously reported GPS data associated with them from other i-devices like GPS-enabled iphones to trilaterate where the device is, based on the nearby access points.

I.e., if the phone can see 3 or more wireless APs, it can take RSSI measurements off them all (no need to associate to an AP for that), ask iCloud where those APs have been reported as being seen by other iPhones, etc. and then work out where it is, to some degree of accuracy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trilateration


edit:
This is how iCloud can determine where your Macbook is with Find my Mac, even though a macbook has no GPS.
 
Last edited:
throAU said:
Core location doesn't just work via GPS or cellular.

[...]

edit:
This is how iCloud can determine where your Macbook is with Find my Mac, even though a macbook has no GPS.
Click to expand...

No...


When GPS was introduced by Apple in the form of the iPhone 3G, 1st Gen owners got the Wi-Fi and cell tower triangulation solution.

Steve Jobs went and mentioned the Wi-Fi location services is made by SkyHooks Wireless which is a database of Wi-Fi networks which is continuously updated. It is this database that helps Apple triangulate via Wi-Fi.
 
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