Apple’s belief in improving health through its technology has never been more present thanks to its Health app, as well as its HealthKit and ResearchKit APIs, but the iPhone-maker is about to go one step further by encouraging organ donor registration in the forthcoming iOS 10.
The new operating system for iPhone and iPad, announced in June, will make it easier for users to register thanks to a new feature in its Health app, reports The Verge.
It will enable users to sign up as organ, eye and tissue donors “with just a few taps.” The registration will then be passed on and submitted to the National Donate Life Registry.
“With the updated Health app, we’re providing education and awareness about organ donation and making it easier than ever to register. It’s a simple process that takes just a few seconds and could help save up to eight lives,” said Apple’s chief operating officer Jeff Williams. “Together with Donate Life America, we’re excited to deliver this new feature to iPhone users in the US with iOS 10.”
The project is a long-term effort for Tim Cook, who told Associated Press the problem was highlighted to him after Apple co-founder Steve Jobs died of pancreatic cancer in 2011. Jobs received a liver transplant in 2009 after a long “excruciating” wait.
It’s not yet known whether the functionality will be set up for countries outside the US. iOS 10 will be available on the iPhone 5 and later in September, though a public beta will be available later this month. Find out how to sign up for the public beta here.
Read more: Full Medical – how Apple can change healthcare for the better