Observed Signal · Sep 2, 2020 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
iOS 13.7 Adds OS-Level Corona Tracking
Apple's iOS 13.7 introduces Exposure Notifications Express directly within the operating system, enabling coronavirus contact tracing without a dedicated app. Developed in collaboration with Google, the feature lets health authorities offer exposure notification services via Bluetooth key exchanges, similar to existing apps such as Corona-Warn-App. Activation is opt-in via a Settings switch, not enabled by default. Some US states are planning early tests, with Europe following later. The OS-level approach aims to reduce the need for separate regional apps while raising considerations about privacy and data handling in public-health programs. This release signals a shift toward platform-level privacy-preserving tools for contact tracing ahead of iOS 14.
Technical Release from Major Platform (Apple) introducing OS-level Corona tracking (Exposure Notifications Express).
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Exposure-Notifications-Express system implemented in iOS 13.7 and iPadOS.
- Apple and Google collaborated on the Exposure Notifications Express system.
- Health authorities can offer contact tracing without a dedicated app.
- Opt-in is required; the switch is in Settings and not enabled by default.
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Apple Updates App Tracking Transparency in EU
Apple announced changes to its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework in the European Union, effective with iOS 27.2 and iPadOS 27.2, following agreements with select European competition authorities. Developers will have the option to use an alternative version of the system prompt for tracking permission in the EU, featuring modified formatting, language, and an optional 'Additional Information' button. Due to legal requirements, only the alternative prompt is available for apps distributed in Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and Romania. Additionally, EU users may be reprompted for tracking permission one year after their previous choice, unless they have disabled tracking requests in device settings. The device setting 'allow apps to request to track' is renamed to 'allow apps to request to link your activity across companies' in the EU. Requirements for when permission is required remain unchanged.
Apple's iOS 27 Adds Trust Insights to Block Social Engineering
Apple will add a new security framework called Trust Insights to iOS 27 that aims to detect social‑engineering attacks in real time by analysing on‑device behavioural signals (input timing, interaction patterns, basic sensor data). According to Apple documentation, Trust Insights does not read message text or photos; it performs local telemetry analysis and sends a single aggregated risk score to Apple servers, which are combined with account indicators (e.g., unusual geographic logins) for a final risk decision delivered to apps. Apps can respond to medium/high risk by delaying actions or demanding extra biometric checks. Developers using the API must provide continuous real‑time feedback to Apple or face automated restrictions (such as rate‑limiting). Users can disable the feature but are subject to a cooling period. Apple requires confirmed fraud reports to be sent to the Apple Business Register. The feature was demonstrated in a WWDC session and is expected before the OS release in autumn 2026.
US Government Excludes Microsoft from Visa Program
The US government has barred Microsoft from participating in the permanent residency process for foreign workers with H-1B visas, accusing the company of abusing the program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Microsoft laid off 6,000 American employees last year while benefiting from 6,300 H-1B visa holders. The Department of Labor, led by Keith Sonderling, will not accept new permanent residency applications from Microsoft, as well as several consulting firms and Adobe. This action comes weeks before the midterm elections and reflects the Trump administration's broader criticism of the H-1B program, which it claims disadvantages American workers. Microsoft has not yet responded. The move could impact the tech industry's ability to retain skilled foreign talent.
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