Apple iOS 13.7 set to let users receive coronavirus exposure notifications WITHOUT downloading a third-party contact tracing app
- Apple’s is set to let users easily turn on coronavirus exposure notifications
- Developers spotted the update in the upcoming iOS 13.7 in ‘Settings’
- This would allows users to use contact tracing without downloading an app
Apple’s next iPhone update could let users receive coronavirus exposure notifications without having to download a third-party app.
The beta version of iOS 13.7 was released to developers, showing the ability to turn on the alarms in ‘Settings.’
Exposure notifications apparently uses a smartphone’s Bluetooth to notify users when they come in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for the deadly virus.
However, Apple reveals in the update that certain functions may not be rolled out because ‘system availability depends on support from your local public health authority.’
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Apple’s next iPhone update could let users receive coronavirus exposure notifications without having to download a third-party app. Users will be able to turn the notifications on in ‘Settings’ on an iPhone or iPad
Coronavirus cases have begun to decrease across the world, however contact tracing apps are still a key players in keeping infection rates at bay.
Prior to the new discovery in the iOS system, Apple had teamed up with Google to produce an app and launched it in May.
The software is used by a nation’s health authority to build their own apps and has so far been given to 22 countries who requested access to the technology.
The tech partners noted that the app would be rolled out in two phases, with the first surfacing in with iOS 13.5 that required users to download a government app, MacRumors reports.
The beta version of iOS 13.7 was released to developers, showing the ability to turn on the alarms in ‘Settings.’ Exposure notifications apparently uses a smartphone’s Bluetooth to notify users when they come in close proximity to someone who has tested positive for the deadly virus
And it seems the second phase is set to hit the iPhone with the upcoming iOS 13.7.
Users will have the ability to toggle the COVID-19 Exposure Notifications on without installing another app on their device.
The move may be due to the lack of participation from the public, as for contact tracing apps to work, people must opt-in to use the service.
Virginia was the first US state to rollout Apple and Googles app, which went live earlier this month.
State officials said their new app, called Covidwise, will not work as well outside Virginia, at least until a group of coordinating public health agencies gets a national server up and running and other states join in.
A number of other states have expressed interest in the Apple-Google technology, including Alabama – which has begun pilot testing – South Carolina, North Dakota and Pennsylvania.
Google said earlier this month that there were 20 states and territories exploring an app using the framework.
Such apps have already launched in 16 countries and regions across Africa, Asia, Europe, North America and South America, the company said.
Canada and a number of countries in Europe and elsewhere have already rolled out apps using the tech companies’ framework.