Rushabh PatelThroughout the world, health authorities and governments have started working together to get out of the crisis created by the COVID-19 epidemic. They aim to restore society at any cost. Simultaneously, software developers are innovating new tools that may help save lives and combat deadly viruses.
In this context, Apple collaborated with Google to work on a platform that creates an API capable of tracking COVID-19 infections. The global community, aiming to combat viral threats, finds hope in this approach. Most of us would think of having an Apple mobile with iOS 13.5. As an entrepreneur, you can grab the best opportunity with iOS app development to serve your users better.
With a host of updates, the publicly released iOS 13.5 version from Apple brought a ray of hope to the COVID-19-affected world. Previously, it was available only to developers. Now, all Apple users can access it. While some may grunt at the frequent need to update their mobile, here are some compelling reasons why updating your mobile OS is now more essential than ever.
Contract-tracing App Development – Save Yourself from the Virus
With iOS 13.5, Apple introduced an Exposure Notification API, designed to support contact tracing apps developed by government-backed health authorities.
As COVID-19 spreads primarily through close contact, public health specialists emphasize the importance of contact tracing to curb transmission. Leading universities, NGOs, and government institutions are now embracing this technology.
To amplify the effort, Google and Apple’s joint solution includes APIs enabling a secure contact-tracing system. Both tech giants prioritize user privacy and data security, making the system widely acceptable.
With Android included in the effort, the benefits extend to a broader user base. The system notifies you of potential exposure to infected individuals without collecting personal data, location, or identity. Government health bodies are now investing in cross-platform mobile app development for both Android and iOS to notify the public effectively.
Exposure Notification – New App Development with This API
An Operating System (OS) performs essential functions, and APIs allow app developers to access these functions. For example, location-based apps use a location API to fetch GPS data, without needing to write extensive code.
Similarly, engineers at Google and Apple created a specialized set of functions (API) for app developers to send notifications when users are close to COVID-positive individuals.
Currently, not all developers can use this API. Only government health agencies are granted access, with strict policies in place. In the USA, states like North Dakota, Alabama, and South Carolina initially gained access. Over time, the global rollout has enabled other nations to leverage this standardized API for health tracking.
Apple Released iOS 13.5 with COVID-19 Exposure Alert System
Brief Overview of API Functionality
Apple devices use a random Bluetooth identifier, composed of numbers and letters unique to every device. These identifiers:
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Do not contain personal data (Apple ID, email, name, age, or location)
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Change frequently to enhance user privacy
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Are broadcast via Bluetooth to nearby devices, and likewise receive identifiers from them
These anonymous IDs are stored locally. If someone you’ve been near is diagnosed with COVID-19 and shares their data via a public health app, your phone downloads the list of infected IDs and compares them with those stored locally. If there’s a match, your phone sends a risk alert.
Is Your Privacy Safe?
Absolutely. You have full control over the system.
To deactivate it:
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Go to Settings > Privacy > Health
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Find the COVID-19 Exposure Logging option
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Toggle off the app if desired
If there’s no app installed, the system remains inactive. Also:
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Your identity remains hidden
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Your contact log is not shared
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Even health authorities receive only anonymous identifiers
Restrictions Imposed on the App
To maintain privacy and relevance, the system imposes certain limitations:
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The app must serve COVID-19 response purposes only
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User consent is required to use the API
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Users must allow the app to share positive test results
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Apps must not collect unnecessary data or display ads
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Apps must not request location access
Other Features in iOS 13.5 Update
Beyond the exposure alert, the update includes face mask recognition. With Face ID challenged by masks, the system now quickly prompts for a passcode if it detects a mask – powered by AI detection.
This feature helps avoid delays in unlocking your phone, a common issue in the pandemic era.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Google and Apple is a significant step toward technological pandemic control. However, its success relies on user cooperation. People must allow Bluetooth ID sharing and install authorized apps.
As iOS continues to evolve, this release enhances its popularity and relevance. If you’re a business owner, this is the ideal time to launch an iOS app that can help users in need. Hire a professional team from an iOS app development company and build a future-ready app for your users.
