Apple and Google's first version of contact tracing software released on April 28

According to foreign media reports, Apple CEO Tim Cook and EU Commissioner Thierry Breton held a video conference a few days ago and confirmed that the first version of the cross-platform contact tracing software jointly developed by Apple and Google will be released to developers on April 28.

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On April 10, Apple and Google announced that they were developing a contact tracing system for iOS and Android mobile devices that would tell smartphone users if they had been in contact with someone who had tested positive for the new coronavirus.

The rollout of the contact tracing system is being done in two parts: First, the software API will be released to developers, which will begin next week. This phase was originally scheduled for release in mid-May, but the two companies appear to have accelerated the timeline.

The second part of the plan is to release system updates to build contact tracing capabilities into the operating system. Android and iOS smartphones that opt ​​in will automatically participate in local contact tracing efforts, regardless of whether they have any specific medical agency apps installed.

The second phase of work isn’t expected to roll out until later this year, but the early arrival of the first version of the API for developers is an encouraging sign that both companies are investing significant effort and resources into bringing it to market.