Apple Releases iOS 13.7 Beta with Integrated COVID-19 Exposure Notifications

Apple has released iOS 13.7 beta for download, which includes an opt-in for COVID-19 Exposure Notifications without the need to download an equivalent app.

Canada is using Apple and Google’s Exposure Notification framework API for its COVID Alert app. This update means you can opt-in to Exposure Notifications without installing COVID Alert, as it will now be built into iOS, part of a phased release of its Exposure Notification technology.

Currently, only Ontario is supporting COVID Alert, but Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador are slated to come on board next. Quebec announced this week it is rejecting COVID Alert for now, favouring a locally made app instead.

Here is the iOS 13.7 beta update description (not a public release as originally reported by 9to5Mac):

iOS 13.7 lets you opt-in to the COVID-19 Exposure Notifications system without the need to download an app. System availability depends on support from your local public health authority. For more information see covid19.apple.com/contacttracing. This release also includes other bug fixes for your iPhone.

How to enable Exposure Notifications? On your iPhone running iOS 13.7 beta, head to Settings > Exposure Notifications > Availability Alerts > ON.

Here are all the new betas available right now for developers:

  • Xcode 11.7 beta (11E801a)
  • iOS 13.7 beta (17H33)
  • iPadOS 13.7 beta (17H33)
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