How it will work on your iPhone

Apple and Google have created a digital framework for contact tracing during the COVID-19 pandemic that works around an Exposure Notifications API. Apple’s Exposure Notification feature and API (application program interface) came in the iOS 13.5 update for iPhone. The Exposure Notification s API is for public health organisations and users will need to use an app from public health organisations to utilise the data until late this year. The technology will notify users if they have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 without revealing identity, location or personal information.

Apple will integrate the contact tracing feature into iPhone and iOS in the next phase of the plan when Apple will approve its usage by individuals. The API design has taken a privacy-first approach, keeping security in mind. Apple will not be monitoring anybody’s location or transmitting user’s personal data to public health officials.

How does Exposure Notification API work?

Users will have to opt-in to the program using a supported health app and enable the Exposure Notification feature once available. It will work using Buetooth LE beacons and will not use GPS to track location. The Beacon includes a random Bluetooth identifier which is a string of random numbers that will change every 10-20 minutes to protect user privacy.

Once a day, your iPhone will download a list of keys for the verified beacons of those who are COVID-positive. Your iPhone will then check your local copy of exchanged beacons against the list downloaded from the server.

Once a match has been identified, your app will notify and advise you on the next steps.