As part of Apple’s latest venture into digital health, the company’s next software update will include a feature allowing users to become organ donors.
According to a press statement from Apple, registrations through the app will be sent directly to the National Donate Life Registry. While the feature will likely be available when iOS 10 launches later this year, the software may be available for public beta later this month.
According to a statement from Apple, over 120 thousand Americans are currently waiting for an organ transplant.
“On average, one person dies every hour in the United States waiting for an organ transplant because the demand for lifesaving transplants far exceeds the available supply of organs — and one donor can save as many as eight lives,” said David Fleming, president and CEO of Donate Life America in a statement.
“By working with Apple to bring the National Donate Life Registry to the Health app on iPhone, we’re making it easier for people to find out about organ, eye and tissue donation and quickly register. This is a huge step forward that will ultimately help save lives.”
The Health app on iPhone provides a clear view of a user’s health all in one place. The app includes a Medical ID, which makes critical information available in case of an emergency. In iOS 10, the Medical ID will offer the option to register as an organ donor.
However, this issue is closer to Apple than many realize. The company’s founder and visionary Steve Jobs suffered from a rare form of pancreatic cancer and eventually received a liver transplant in 2009. The biography entitled “Becoming Steve Jobs” states that the late CEO even turned down a transplant from Tim Cook himself.
“Apple’s mission has always been to create products that transform people’s lives. 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 Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer in a statement.
“Together with Donate Life America, we’re excited to deliver this new feature to iPhone users in the US with iOS 10.”
The National Donate Life Registry is managed by the United States-based Donate Life America. Therefore, this feature will only be available to iPhone users in the United States.
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[source]Apple[/source]
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