A recently discovered patent filing suggests Apple has considered adding the ability for an iPhone or an iPad to warn users of a potential fire. Patent number
9,123,221 describing "Wireless device networks with smoke detection capabilities" could lead to a future iPhone helping protect lives and property by discovering nearby smoke, and using its network connectivity to pass alerts to other nearby electronic devices to save others.
According to the filing, discovered
by AppleInsider, the device would have a similar system to light-based sensors or ionizing smoke detectors, but miniaturized, though it could also be added to other stationary devices. On detecting smoke, it could then perform multiple tasks, such as displaying an alert or contacting a specific number to warn the homeowner. It could also automatically send a distress signal to the emergency services, complete with location and temperature information, and using the device's accelerometer to see if it is being carried or left on a surface, the likelihood of there being occupants in the building.
Having smoke detection systems in a smartphone may be considered by some to be a good idea. Device owners carrying their own personal smoke detector could help them in cases where the building's own fire alarm isn't working or is nonexistent, and may be more efficient in alerting the user if they are unable to hear the fire alarm, such as by vibrating to advise of an on-screen alert about the fire.
As for whether or not Apple will follow through with the idea, it is plausible but ultimately down to if it can sufficiently implement the technology.
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