Apple announced Tuesday that they’ll partner with nonprofit organization Donate Life America to add the national donor registration to the new iOS 10 Health app. Users will now be able to register on the donor list with ease, done through a simple sign-up through Apple’s app.
Donate Life says over 120,000 Americans are still waiting for a transplant.
Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook told the Associated Press the move was motivated by late company co-founder Steve Jobs. Jobs, back in 2009, had an “excruciating” wait for a liver transplant, which he eventually got and returned to work.
He revealed he received the liver of a mid-20s person who succumbed to a car crash; the person was a registered organ donor. Clearly, it’s an area that became personal for Jobs.
“I am alive because of their generosity,” Jobs said. “I hope we all can be that generous.”
Through the new iOS 10, registrations submitted from the Health app is received by the National Donate Life Registry managed by Donate Life America. iPhone users will have the option to be a donor, carrying it everywhere they go.
“On average, one person dies every hour in the United States waiting for an organ transplant because the demand for lifesaving transplants far exceeds the available supply of organs — and one donor can save as many as eight lives,” said David Fleming, President & CEO of Donate Life America.
“By working with Apple to bring the National Donate Life Registry to the Health app on iPhone, we’re making it easier for people to find out about organ, eye and tissue donation and quickly register. This is a huge step forward that will ultimately help save lives.”
This is the latest update by Apple that focuses on health and wellness. Apple has plans for a watchOS3 update for Apple Watch, adding a new feature called SOS. It adds a side button that calls 911 or emergency services over cellular or Wi-Fi, and notify emergency contacts with a map of the user’s location.
iOS 10 and watchOS 3 will launch as a free update for iPhone and iPad this fall; look for it in late September.
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