NHS Covid 19 Contact Tracing App

[Lanny]

I don’t know why but, it was some time ago that I noticed my iPhone 6 & iPad mini 3 both bought in 2015 couldn’t update to ios 13 this year when my iPad mini 4 did: there have been a few updates since but, all ios 12 & nowhere near as many updates of ios 13 on the iPad mini 4? 🙄

 

[Becka]

I’ve iPhone 6 and managed no problem. Maybe needs an update. Go to your settings and it will show if you do. I updated mine just a couple of weeks ago.

Then you must have an iPhone 6s. The 2015 model.

Apple stopped supporting the iPhone 6, from 2014, last year so it can only run iOS 12. Specifically, the last available version is 12.4.8. As that version was released 14 months ago, it obviously did not include COVID related features.

But the N.H.S. Covid-19 App needs to use the Exposure Notification functions in the operating system which were created by Apple and Google. And for iPhone those are only available in iOS 13, specifically from version 13.5 onwards which was released in May to allow governments to create tracking and tracing apps. The current version is 13.7, released this month.

Because of the way the App Store works you can still see the app and can "GET" it, because that can trigger it downloading on other compatible devices. But even if it downloads it will give you an error at the end.

As I do have an original iPhone 6, I can guarantee it will not work on my phone.

 

[Sally71]

I don’t know why but, it was some time ago that I noticed my iPhone 6 & iPad mini 3 both bought in 2015 couldn’t update to ios 13 this year when my iPad mini 4 did: there have been a few updates since but, all ios 12 & nowhere near as many updates of ios 13 on the iPad mini 4? 🙄

My iPad is the same; it's an iPad Air that my hubby bought in 2016 and I think he got it cheap because it was end of line and they were just selling off old stock. I've just assumed that it's too old and maybe the chip isn’t powerful enough for iOS 13 perhaps. Doesn’t bother me, I’ll just toddle on as I am and when it gets to the point that either my apps don’t work properly, or I can’t download new ones, or the memory is full then I'll get a new one. As long as i get at least 5 years use out of it then I’ll be happy! (One year old is ancient in computer terms for some people!)

 

[eggyg]

Then you must have an iPhone 6s. The 2015 model.

Apple stopped supporting the iPhone 6, from 2014, last year so it can only run iOS 12. Specifically, the last available version is 12.4.8. As that version was released 14 months ago, it obviously did not include COVID related features.

But the N.H.S. Covid-19 App needs to use the Exposure Notification functions in the operating system which were created by Apple and Google. And for iPhone those are only available in iOS 13, specifically from version 13.5 onwards which was released in May to allow governments to create tracking and tracing apps. The current version is 13.7, released this month.

Because of the way the App Store works you can still see the app and can "GET" it, because that can trigger it downloading on other compatible devices. But even if it downloads it will give you an error at the end.

As I do have an original iPhone 6, I can guarantee it will not work on my phone.

Yes mine is iPhone 6s. Didn’t know there was two versions. Is there iPhone 7/8/9/10s etc? Very confusing. TBF from what I’m hearing the App seems pretty pointless as it doesn’t recognise NHS Covid tests just private ones. I might delete it.

 

[Bruce Stephens]

TBF from what I’m hearing the App seems pretty pointless as it doesn’t recognise NHS Covid tests just private ones.

They're saying that's been fixed.

To be honest what was supposed to be the all important part of using bluetooth for contact tracing isn't looking that hot at the moment. I think you need much bigger numbers than they're likely to get in order for it to really be useful.

But the other bits seem worthwhile: you can check in to venues by scanning their QR code, you can see that your local area is Medium risk (presumably other risk levels are possible), you can read the current restrictions. You can also fail to book a test through the app.

 

[Becka]

Is there iPhone 7/8/9/10s etc? Very confusing.

It used to be a big update every other year, which got a new number, and a small update in between, so they just got as 's' added.

But after the iPhone 7 it all went a bit weird as they started offering a couple different models. And then they skipped 9 completely. It basically went 8 to X to 11.

The new models, presumably iPhone 12, should be announced in the next few weeks, and I suppose I need to attention to consider whether I should get one.

I think it is always best to buy the latest model as it lasts much longer before you need to upgrade. With a cheaper older model you just end up having to upgrade more frequently. I have had six years out of my iPhone 6, as I bought it when they were announced, so cannot complain. At the speed technology changes, to have only needed a replacement once in a decade was pretty good.

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

The last time I got a phone (must be a couple of years ago) I went for the iphone 7 because that meant it could be used with Freestyle Libre, which has been very handy!