Apple Granted Patent on Possible Fire-Detecting Software for iPhone, Other Devices

Software would detect fire, alert user and contact authorities.

There are people who claim they are dependent on their iPhone to get through the day. But could it actually save lives?

That reality might not be far-fetched.

Future Apple devices might contain smoke-detecting software, judging by a patent that was granted to the company in late August, according to a PSFK.com story.

This smoke detection hardware would detect a fire and alert the user. But that’s not all — it’d also alert authorities about a possible fire.

Future iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs or any other Apple device in the house could essentially call for help.

RELATED: Report Predicts Google, Apple to Dominate Home Security Market in 20 Years

Apple plans to program common ionizing smoke detectors inside iOS devices and then install miniature versions inside handheld devices, such as the iPhone. Smoke would enter through the opening of the chassis, where the detectors will be located and be able to alert the user and authorities.

The patent lists Paul G. Puskarich as the inventor of the technology.

In addition to alerting authorities, the software might contain maps and representations of buildings where the smoke is detected, allowing authorities to better pinpoint the call for help and cut down on response time.

Plans for this technology are not definite, but if applied it could be a reality within the next few years.

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