Apple and Google partner on new coronavirus contact tracing technology
Apple has announced a partnership with Google that will see the two companies utilize Bluetooth technology to help governments and health agencies reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Revealed within an update shared by Apple on Saturday, both companies will release APIs in May that enable interoperability between Android and iOS devices using apps from public health authorities. These official apps will be available for users to download via their respective app stores.
In the coming months, Apple and Google have pledged to enable a broader Bluetooth-based contact tracing platform by building this functionality into iOS and Android, providing a more robust solution than APIs and allowing more individuals to participate, if they choose to opt in, as well as enable interaction with a broader ecosystem of apps and government health authorities.
All of us at Apple and Google believe there has never been a more important moment to work together to solve one of the world’s most pressing problems. Through close cooperation and collaboration with developers, governments and public health providers, we hope to harness the power of technology to help countries around the world slow the spread of COVID-19 and accelerate the return of everyday life.
Within the update, Apple and Google have shared draft technical documentation including Bluetooth and cryptography specifications and framework documentation.