Apple wants to fight against COVID-19 in an effective way using the iOS operating system. The newer iOS 13.5 and watchOS 6.2.5 indicate that Apple is adding medical ID, which will send the information to the Emergency SOS services.
Apple added a feature called “Medical ID” in an iPhone and Watch that stores your medical-related information. Medical ID includes personal information such as pre-existing medical conditions, your personal information, contact information, blood group, address, and more.
Since Medical Assistance is considered an emergency, thus Apple added the feature in the Lock Screen and does not require security code including Face ID, Touch ID, and Passcode. Apple came up with the idea to solve the identity problems and find out the pre-existing conditions for the doctors to attend the non-responsive patient.
In the latest edition of iOS 13.5 and watchOS 6.2.5, Apple worked on the medical features, and combined Medical ID and Emergency SOS together. Apple considers privacy is important and thus, you can opt-in and share your Medical ID information with emergency contact only.
Apple introduced the “Fall Detection” feature in watchOS 6.2.5. Apple Watch operating system cleverly detects, if the owner of the device is non-responsive or active after the fall and then automatically calls the emergency services. Your Medical ID info is shared with the first responders to ensure that they can communicate with the medical facilities without filling in about pre-existing conditions.
In the Emergency SOS, hold down the side button, and then keep holding for 10 seconds, and the Apple device will call local emergency services for you. The Emergency SOS informs the emergency contact and they are first responders, who receive Medical ID information.
Apple takes consumers’ privacy seriously and they added encryption to avoid sharing the data to unauthorized individuals. Don’t worry about personal medical information being shared with anonymous people or organizations.
The Emergency SOS, and Fall Detection designed to alert emergency contact or first responders, and they receive Medical ID information in encrypted data. Your emergency contact can fill in the details of the medical facility and doctors to begin treatment with the knowledge of pre-existing conditions.
Currently, Apple is in development in the beta version of iOS 13.5 and watchOS 6.2.5. Apple Watch and iPhone consumers have to wait for the update to reach your devices later this month.
