(CNN) - Apple wants people to be able to secretly call for help in an emergency.
The tech company has patented a process that would allow iPhone users to discreetly dial 911 using only their fingerprint.
The patent was published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Tuesday.
Apple suggests the technology would look for a sequence of fingerprints or applied pressure to trigger an emergency call.
When the feature is used, it would give responders the location of the phone and could pull live video or audio directly from the iPhone.
It's unclear if Apple will build the technology into software updates.
The company did not respond to a request for comment.
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