Apple and Google’s Contact Tracing API Available April 28, According to Tim Cook

Source: Thierry Breton

Apple CEO Tim Cook has revealed that the contact tracing API collaboration between Apple and Google will roll out on April 28th. This news came after Cook engaged in a conference call between EU industry leader Thierry Breton.

On Wednesday, April 22nd, Cook and Breton sat down to discuss the company’s role and “responsibility” in providing transparent and secure contact tracing applications. According to MacRumors, this call followed a divisive debate between Apple and the French government.

Breton said: “It is the responsibility of companies such as Apple to do their utmost to develop suitable technical solutions to make the national apps work. Coordination with EU member states’ health authorities is paramount.”

While the two did not discuss any specific case, according to an EU official, this call took place after France took umbrage with Apple’s privacy policy. The country is planning to release its own contract tracing API on May 11th. However, the iOS privacy setting does not allow apps to use Bluetooth if the data collected is to be moved off the device. As it currently stands, Apple stands in the way of France’s intended API launch.

Apple and Google have been collaborating on their own contact tracing API, which utilizes their own Bluetooth-based tracking to assist governing bodies and health officials to track and reduce the spread of COVID-19.

In a report from iGeneration, Bretton revealed that Cook told him the expected release date of their contact tracing API is set for April 28th. This news follows only a few short weeks after two companies announced their intended plans. Originally, the tools were planned to release in May.

Apple and Google are working towards a broader Bluetooth-based contact tracing platform that is more sturdy. They also intend to have interoperability between iOS and Android when using the apps.