Apple iOS 13.5 Update To Introduce New Medical ID Information Sharing Feature

Apple has added a new option that allows iOS device users to share their Medical ID to emergency responders during an emergency call. This feature is added to the latest iOS 13.5 beta, and will at least help users get medical help faster.

The iOS 13.5 beta, released recently, will prompt users to review their Medical ID settings and information stored on the device, MacRumors reported. Once the feature is enabled, users who make emergency calls will share their Medical ID with emergency dispatchers who respond to the call. The information will also be visible in the user's iPhone Lock Screen so that responders can see it.

The new feature can be enabled after updating Medical ID settings, after updating the iPhone to iOS 13.5. The option to enable it can be found in the option “Share During Emergency Call,” nestled under Emergency Access. Disabling the feature will prevent the iPhone from sharing the user's Medical ID.

What is a Medical ID?

For those who don't know, particularly those who just entered the iOS ecosystem via the iPhone SE, a user's Medical ID contains crucial information that responders will need to provide the right care to users in the event of an emergency.

Users setting up their Medical ID will need to input their full name, birthdate, medical conditions (such as hypertension), allergies & reactions (such as allergies to peanuts), medications being taken (such as those for specified conditions), blood type, weight and height. Users will also be asked to assign at least one emergency contact who will be informed when something happens to them.

Why the feature?

As per MacRumors, according to the text accompanying the feature, Apple aims to turn Medical ID into a tool that will help users in an emergency get the right kind of medical care they need the soonest time possible:

“iPhone and Apple Watch can automatically send the information in your Medical ID to the dispatcher who answers your call.”

“This can speed up the process of getting the care you need.”

This new feature comes after Apple added Exposure Notifications to an earlier iOS 13.5 beta. Those who opt-in to this feature will receive alerts as to whether they came close to someone who registered positive for COVID-19.