iOS 16.4 allows health authorities to end their support for Apple’s COVID
When Apple first released their COVID-19 Exposure Notifications feature, many public health authorities were quick to jump on board in hopes of using the technology to help track the spread of the virus. However, it seems that those same authorities are now turning their backs on the feature, with iOS 16.4 allowing them to end their support.
This is a huge blow to Apple, who had touted the feature as a key part of their privacy-centric approach to handling the pandemic. With health authorities no longer on board, it is hard to see how the feature can remain viable.
There are a few possible reasons for this about-face from the authorities. It could be that they have found the feature to be ineffective in tracking the spread of the virus. Or, it could be that they are concerned about the privacy implications of the feature and no longer want to be associated with it.
Whatever the reason, this is a huge blow to Apple and their efforts to help fight the pandemic. It remains to be seen how they will respond, but one thing is clear – the future of the COVID-19 Exposure Notifications feature is now in doubt.
