Apple announced on Tuesday, July 5, that it will encourage users to become organ donors by including an enrollment form in the iPhone's native Health app starting with the launch of iOS 10 this fall.
According to Apple Insider, for the users of the iOS 10 Health app, the national donor registration will come in the form of a simple sign-up in the application. Apple noted that that over 120,000 Americans are currently waiting for a transplant and explained that its organ donor registration program is being created in partnership with Donate Life America, a nonprofit organization.
Chief Executive Tim Cook told Associated Press that the inclusion of the organ donor registration program was inspired by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who had to endure in 2009 an "excruciating" wait for his own liver transplant. After his return to work, Jobs revealed that he was alive because the generosity of an organ donor from whom he received the liver.
Apple's chief operating officer, Jeff Williams, said in a press statement.that with the updated Health app, the company is providing awareness and education about organ donation. Registrations submitted from the iPhone's Health app within iOS 10 will be sent directly to Donate Life America's National Donate Life Registry.
David Fleming, President & CEO of Donate Life America, said that one person dies every hour in the U.S. because the demand for organ transplants exceeds by far the available supply. He added that by working with Apple, his organization is making it easier for people to quickly register to be an organ donor.
According to The Verge, Apple first announced iOS 10 last month, at its Worldwide Developers Conference. The software update has been called by SVP Craig Federighi "the biggest iOS release ever."
Tech experts consider Apple's iOS 10 the most significant visual upgrade seen since the iOS 7 release back in 2013. The upcoming Apple operating system will come with major redesigns for apps like Maps, Music and News, as well as a completely revamped lockscreen experience.
