Apple is now rolling out what could be the last major version of iOS 13 before iOS 14 arrives later this year. Among the updates in iOS 13.7 is an upgrade to the COVID-19 exposure notification API Apple and Google released for iOS and Android. The Exposure Notifications Express framework that allows you to more easily participate in your local health authority’s efforts to inform people if they’ve been in contact with someone who got sick with COVID-19.
This native support was expected, as it was announced when the exposure notification API developed collaboratively between Apple and Google was revealed in April. But at the time, we didn’t know exactly when it would arrive.
Apple and Google made sure to clarify that existing apps, of which there are six, will continue to work, and support for interoperability between states is built into the new framework to allow for contact tracing state lines. The first official app supporting the exposure notification system debuted in Virginia earlier in August. The University of Alabama at Birmingham launched a closed pilot for an exposure notification app last month as well.
When you upgrade to iOS 13.7, you’ll see a new section of the Settings menu that includes a toggle to “Turn on Exposure Notifications.” Doing so will let you if there’s an app you can download in your area. Meanwhile, in places where the local health authorities have decided to use Apple’s new framework, iOS 13.7 allows you to receive exposure notifications on your device without downloading a separate app to your phone. As with any dedicated COVID-19 apps you can download, taking part in this new system is optional.
Outside of the new framework, the update adds new Memoji stickers and iCloud Drive folder sharing from the Files app. It also includes the usual assortment of unspecified bug fixes and improvements. To download the update, go to your device’s Setting menus, followed by “General” and then tap on “Software Update.”
iOS 13.7 is available to download now.
