NHS contact tracing app will work on older iPhones after Apple update

APPLE has updated one of its old operating systems so people in the UK can download contact-tracing apps on older iPhones.

Some people have been missing out on the NHS Covid-19 app because they don’t have a new phone.

App developers will need to make changes before old iPhone users can access the app thoughCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The apps will soon be able to work on the the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 6 as well as any iPhones newer than this.

The only problem is that the app developers will also need to make changes and that may not happen until January, according to Apple.

Apple said: “iOS 12.5 lets you opt in to the Covid-19 Exposure Notifications system for your iPhone.

“System availability depends on support from your local public-health authority.”

You may still have to wait till January to download the app on an older iPhoneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

The iPhone 5S originally launched in 2014.

The iPhone 6 came out in 2015.

Lots of people still use these iPhones but had been left out of signing up to apps like the NHS Covid-19 app because they couldn’t access the relevant software.

The app alerts people if they have been in proximity to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19 so that they too can self-isolate and help to stop the spread of the virus.

The UK Department of Health previously insisted that nine out of 10 smartphone owners would be able to download a contact-tracing app.

Originally, iPhone users needed to have downloaded the iOS 14 software to be able to use the NHS app.

How to download the NHS contact-tracing app on iPhone

Go to the App Store and search for “NHS COVID-19”.

Then all you need to do is click “Get”.

You may need to enter your Apple ID password or use Face ID.

The app is free.

How does the NHS Covid-19 App work?

Here’s what the app does…

The app uses bluetooth to keep a record of which phones have spent 15 minutes within 2 metres of one another.
It uses a technology ‘exposure notification’, which can be enabled in a phone’s settings.
It later alerts people if they have been in proximity to someone who has tested positive for Covid-19.
They will be asked to self-isolate for 14 days, as well as close contacts.
Tracking can also be switched off to prevent false alarms for those working behind a perspex screen or wearing PPE.
The app will also allow people to scan specific Dept. of Health QR codes when they enter venues, rather than having to use codes supplied by the venue.
App users will also be notified of the risk level in their local area based on the first half of their postcode.

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