Apple has confirmed and released iOS 13.7 to the public today, with a massive update of the COVID-19 Notification Platform for Exposures. Apple and Google have launched a new Exposure Notifications Express system that enables health care providers to support COVID-19 communication tracing without their own App being created and maintained.
Update: iOS 13.7 is out now. So, you can upgrade your iPhone through the Settings App. Apple has also published bug fixes to iPadOS 13.7.
When Google and Apple announced their joint work on the COVID-19 Explorer Notification API at the start of the epidemic, the companies detailed two phases of the technology. In the first step, which came with iOS 13.5, the user must first download the disclosure notification to download an app from their public health authority.
At the time, Apple and Google also signaled that they would work on Phase Two, which would reduce reliance on public health officials and make most of the Covid-19 Expo information technology directly applicable to iOS and Android. Google and Apple are announcing the same today, but with some changes compared to what was initially expected.
Apple iOS 13.7 + Exposure Notifications Express System
The new Exposure Notification Express system included iOS 13.7, which Apple is providing to all iPhone owners today. Public health officials still have a choice to decide.
For public health officials, the process of adopting the Exp, Notification Express is significantly smoother than adopting the Expo Notification API. Public health officials fill out a config file that includes their name, logo, display notification animation criteria, and information and protocols that appear to users after the exhibition.
Google and Apple are taking full responsibility for the Quaid 19 Exposure Notification Express system.
The companies say they will provide a fully operational exposure notification system that uses the information provided by public health authorities, directly integrating it into iOS 13.7.
Public health officials maintain full control over the system, even though they no longer need to prepare an application. They also manage how information is mobilized, what steps are taken to offer advice, and how to guide those exposed.
Changes in Apple iOS 13.7
For apps, COVID-19 exposure notifications can now be activated directly in the Settings app on your iPhone. The procedure is as simple as just a few taps, including agreeing to Public Health Agency terms and conditions. Once the Exposure Notification Express system is introduced by the local public health authority, customers will also be able to opt-in for receiving push notifications.
If you allow exposure notifications in the Settings app, your iPhone will start tracking Bluetooth to log future exposures so you can observe your local public health authority’s recommendations. For information and confirmation of potential exposure to COVID-19.
Users can now enable COVID-19 exposure notifications directly in the Settings app on their iPhone. The process is as simple as just a few taps, including agreeing to the terms of the Public Health Agency.
Opt-In for Push Notifications
When local public health authorities approve the use of exposure notifications, consumers can opt to receive push notifications. Once activated in the iPhone’s Settings app, exposure notifications will monitor Bluetooth to log potential exposure events. This allows users to receive alerts and follow the guidelines provided by their local public health authorities. The exposure notification feature enables users to be alerted to possible COVID-19 exposure based on proximity to others who have tested positive for the virus.
Standalone Apps in Some States
In states that already have a dedicated application using the COVID-19 Exposure Notification API, those apps remain operational and can continue to function independently. For now, Apple and Google have reported that 25 states and territories, which account for more than 55% of the U.S. population, are actively seeking solutions to integrate the exposure notification system.
Streamlined Exposure Notification System
Google and Apple have made efforts to simplify the exposure notification system by offering Exposure Notification Express. This initiative eliminates the need for health authorities to create and maintain a standalone app. According to a joint statement by the companies, the goal is to make it easier for public health officials to implement exposure notifications without the complexity of building an entirely new app. Despite this simplified system, Apple and Google emphasized that they would continue supporting health authorities that have already developed their apps, such as those in Canada.
Privacy and Security with Exposure Notifications
Google and Apple stress that all the privacy protections inherent in the original Exposure Notification API still apply to the new Exposure Notification Express system. Users must opt in to receive notifications of potential exposure — this is not automatic. Additionally, the system does not share location data, and it keeps users’ identities private. The system conducts all matching and exposure tracking directly on the user’s device, allowing users full control over whether they report test results.
A Shift in Apple and Google’s Approach
The launch of Exposure Notification Express marks a shift in Apple and Google’s approach since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially, the two companies collaborated on a system. Health authorities were responsible for creating their own apps. However, they realized the complexities involved in this process. Health departments lacked the resources and expertise to develop apps. As a result, Apple and Google began refining the system. They aimed to help health authorities develop simpler solutions that would be easier to implement and maintain.
The Challenge of Widespread Adoption
Apple and Google faced challenges in getting widespread adoption for their COVID-19 notification system. Despite efforts to streamline the process, only 20 countries and territories have launched such apps. Just six of the 50 U.S. states have used the system. Both companies acknowledge the rollout has been slower than anticipated. However, they remain committed to supporting public health efforts to curb the pandemic.
The Simplified EN Express System
The new system, known as EN Express, is expected to be more accessible for health departments that may not have the resources to build a full-fledged app. Apple and Google have made the process of implementing exposure notifications simpler, with the aim of making it easier for health authorities to roll out the system and track potential exposures with minimal effort.
Additionally, the system does not share location data, and users’ identities remain private. The system performs all matching and exposure tracking directly on the user’s device, giving users full control over whether they report test results.
Availability of Exposure Notifications
To use exposure notifications, iPhone users will receive a notification when the feature becomes available in their region. Once you enable it, the iPhone will actively monitor Bluetooth signals. It will log potential exposures based on interactions with other devices exposed to COVID-19. This system helps users stay informed of their potential exposure. It also ensures privacy protections set by Apple and Google remain intact.
For Android phones, Google will automatically create an app for users to download. Public health authorities will not need to create or maintain these apps. Although Android users need to take additional action, a Google spokesperson said the company believes this is the best way. It allows tools to reach as many types of Android hardware as possible.
New Approach – Exposure Notifications Express System
Google and Apple’s new approach allows health officials to submit a “configuration file” that triggers information about potential exposure. They will guide you on the actions to take and provide any additional contact information related to the area. Apple and Google say it is much easier than creating an app while still ensuring people’s privacy and security.
The companies say they will provide a fully operational exposure notification system. This system will use information provided by public health authorities. It will integrate directly into iOS 13.7.
Public health officials maintain full control over the system, even though they no longer need to prepare an application. They also manage how information is mobilized, what steps are taken to offer advice, and how to guide those exposed.
