Apple releases iOS 13.7 & iPadOS 13.7 beta with integrated Exposure Notification tech
On Wednesday, Apple released a beta iOS 13.7 and iPadOS 13.7, with the former software update introducing a promised update to Exposure Notification removing the public health app install requirement.
-l.jpg)
Credit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsider
According to Apple's release notes, iOS 13.7 introduces a new feature that lets users opt-in to the coronavirus Exposure Notification system without first downloading a public health app.
The Exposure Notification system is a developer framework built by Apple and Google for both iPhone and Android devices. It works by collecting anonymous Bluetooth identifiers from smartphones that come within a close proximity to a user. No location data is collected, and the Bluetooth identifiers are stored locally on-device and not on a centralized server. If an Exposure Notification user later tests positive for COVID-19, other users who have come into contact with them will receive an alert on their device.
Unlike other developer frameworks, the system can only be used by a public health organization -- and not all countries or states have implemented an official app. The new feature in iOS 13.7 appears to be a means to mitigate that weakness by allowing the system to collect contact data, even if users don't have an official public health app installed on their devices.
Update 1:37 p.m. Eastern: While two AppleInsider iPhones without access to the beta program are seeing the update, it appears that the release is a beta release at this time based on developer documentation. We have reached out to Apple for comment.
Update 4:03 p.m. Eastern: A public beta version has also been released.
Credit: Andrew O'Hara, AppleInsider
According to Apple's release notes, iOS 13.7 introduces a new feature that lets users opt-in to the coronavirus Exposure Notification system without first downloading a public health app.
Like iOS 13.7, the iPadOS 13.7 update also includes bug fixes for iPad users. It isn't clear what bugs the new updates quash."iOS 13.7 lets you opt-in to the COVID-19 Exposure Notifications system without the need to download an app. System availability depends on support from your local public health authority. For more information see covid19.apple.com/contacttracing. This release also includes other bug fixes for your iPhone."
The Exposure Notification system is a developer framework built by Apple and Google for both iPhone and Android devices. It works by collecting anonymous Bluetooth identifiers from smartphones that come within a close proximity to a user. No location data is collected, and the Bluetooth identifiers are stored locally on-device and not on a centralized server. If an Exposure Notification user later tests positive for COVID-19, other users who have come into contact with them will receive an alert on their device.
Unlike other developer frameworks, the system can only be used by a public health organization -- and not all countries or states have implemented an official app. The new feature in iOS 13.7 appears to be a means to mitigate that weakness by allowing the system to collect contact data, even if users don't have an official public health app installed on their devices.
Update 1:37 p.m. Eastern: While two AppleInsider iPhones without access to the beta program are seeing the update, it appears that the release is a beta release at this time based on developer documentation. We have reached out to Apple for comment.
Update 4:03 p.m. Eastern: A public beta version has also been released.
Comments
If 13.7 does away with that weekly update then all health apps need to do is provide a way to securely upload a positive test result. That could mean that health apps that focus on alternative methods - QR codes *cough NZ*, intrusive location tracking etc can keep their apps as is but just add a test upload facility.
Let's see who get's the highest score!