We have all been annoyed by the endless “please turn your cellphone off and put it on flight mode if it has such a feature” at such some stage in our lives – yet a patent granted to Apple could end this and also bring about some more worry-worthy consequences.

If used, it can disable or enable features based upon proximity to other devices, wireless access points or geographical locations on your iDevice. While it could be useful as it could disable cellular connectivity on airplanes or prevent cheating in exams, it could also be seen a breach of free speech. The same patent could, in theory, be used to disable imaging to prevent the capture of controversial events or uprisings.

Apple tries to see the positive side of it:

“As wireless devices such as cellular telephones, pagers, personal media devices and smartphones become ubiquitous, more and more people are carrying these devices in various social and professional settings. The result is that these wireless devices can often annoy, frustrate, and even threaten people in sensitive venues. For example, cell phones with loud ringers frequently disrupt meetings, the presentation of movies, religious ceremonies, weddings, funerals, academic lectures, and test-taking environments.”

KitGuru says: We feel as if this would have to be policed awfully harshly by the Government, probably to the point where it isn't worth it; and that's perfectly fine with me.

Become a Patron!