This article may contain affiliate links. Learn more on our Partner Program page.
Apple has now released the first preview of iOS 15.1 and Co. and reactivated a well-known feature, SharePlay. Of course, this is not the only new feature. In the future, users will be able to store their COVID-19 vaccination certificate in the Wallet app.
With the beta version of iOS 15.1 announced today, iPhone users can upload their COVID-19 vaccination certificate to the Health app and then create a vaccination card in Apple Wallet. The Apple Wallet vaccination card can be presented at stores, bars, restaurants, and other establishments that require vaccinations for entry. explained Apple to developers:
With iOS 15, users can download and store verifiable health data, including COVID-19 vaccinations and test results, in the Health app. Verifiable health data in the Health app is based on the SMART Health Cards specification. Users can share verifiable health data stored in the Health app with approved third-party apps that request that information, such as airlines, venues, and other businesses that enable in-person interactions. And in an upcoming software update, they'll also be able to add verifiable COVID-19 vaccinations as a vaccination card in Apple Wallet to present at stores, venues, and other places. Organizations that issue SMART Health Cards will soon be able to use a new button to alert users that they can securely download and store their vaccination data in the Health app and quickly add and present it through Wallet. The design and usage guidelines will be available soon.
COVID-19 vaccination certificate in the Health and Wallet app: How it works
So Apple says that in a future software update, likely iOS 15.1, users will be able to add their vaccination records to the Wallet app, making it easier to show their vaccination card. Support will depend on the organizations verifying vaccinations and so will need to be rolled out to individual countries over time. The same verifiable health data system has other uses too. For example, access to third-party apps could allow an airline to accept app-based bookings or check-ins for passengers who share their vaccination record. Apple says the system is designed to protect user privacy. For example, no apps or third parties can permanently access the verifiable records in the Health app. Also, developers implementing the verifiable health system — including medical providers — will need to ensure that data is encrypted in transit and at rest.
PS: Sorry to the premium users, the AirTags article was accidentally assigned to the wrong tag group. ??♂️
