Apple has released iOS 13.7 with major improvements to the COVID-19 Exposure Notification API, which was first introduced with iOS 13.5.
Both Apple and Google have announced the new Exposure Notifications Express platform that allows public health authorities to enable contract tracing of coronavirus without releasing a standalone application. Authorities will need to opt-in to use this new system.
As 9to5Mac notes, the process of using the Notifications Express API is much smoother and easier. Public health authorities can also control the way notifications are sent and guidance for individuals – useful as this can differ in each country.
They fill out a config file that includes their name, logo, criteria for triggering an exposure notification, and information and protocol that is displayed to users following an exposure.
To set up COVID-19 contact tracing, you simply enable it through the ‘Exposure Notifications’ section in the Settings app. You’ll need to select your country or region and agree to the privacy terms.
iOS 13.7 is now available for iPhone users. Users on iOS 14 should receive the updates in the next beta, due this week. iPadOS 13.7 is available with bug fixes.
Google is also set to release Exposure Notifications Express to users running Android 6.0 and later in the coming weeks.
