iOS 11 lets you turn off iPhone or iPad without the power button

Among the lesser known features included in Apple's latest iOS 11 is a new software function that lets users turn off their device without touching a physical button, handy in the case of random hardware failures and other glitches.

While not the most useful feature, a software-based shutdown option is a welcome addition to Apple's mobile operating system.

Since the inception of iOS, users have been forced to rely on an iPhone or iPad's power button, referred to by Apple as the sleep/wake, to initiate the shutdown sequence. A long press and hold gesture is normally used to bring up the power off screen, though other methods can be used in emergency situations.

For example, simultaneously pressing and holding the sleep/wake and home button — on iPhone models without force sensitive home buttons — will reset the device.

On iPhone 7, Apple introduced a static, non-moving home button that use force-sensing components to work, similar in function to 3D Touch displays. Without a mechanical home button, Apple changed the reset procedure to incorporate the volume down button, meaning users simply had to squeeze both sides of their handset to force restart.

Until now, Apple's shutdown and reset methods relied on mechanical buttons, but iOS 11 brings a new software option into play. This can be especially useful if an iPhone or iPad's sleep/wake, home or volume button is broken or otherwise inoperable. Additionally, the function might serve as an accessibility feature for users who are unable to grasp their device or operate physical buttons.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Navigate to the Settings app.

Step 2. Tap on General and scroll down to the bottom of the menu.

Step 3. Tap on the Shut Down option highlighted in blue font. The usual iOS shutdown screen will immediately appear.

Step 4. Slide the large power button to the right along the slide to power off track to shut down your device. Alternatively, you can cancel the action by pressing the X button at the bottom of the screen.