AppleInsider StaffOne of the biggest new additions in iOS 8 is "Health," a new application that will serve as a central place for users to track and organize all of their health-related data. With it comes a new Medical ID that could help first responders make life saving decisions in the event of a medical emergency.
As seen in the video above, the Health app currently in the iOS 8 beta is divided into four sections: Dashboard, with overall metrics that will be presented as cards; My Health, where users can enter in data points manually; Medical ID, which allows users to enter information that might be needed in case of an emergency; and Sources, where apps can be granted access and compatible devices can be paired with an iPhone to automate the collection of some data.
The Health app is obviously basic in the first iOS 8 beta, as developers must now build apps and devices using the HealthKit application programming interface.
Update: In its current pre-release state, there is no way to view the Medical ID from the lock screen if the user does not have a passcode enabled, meaning a first responder would need to know to unlock the device and search for the Health app. If passcode is enabled, users can access the emergency call screen and tap the link to Medical ID in the bottom left corner of the screen.
Partners named by Apple include Nike, Fitbit, Wahoo Fitness, iHealth, and Withings.
Apple has also revealed it is working with the Mayo Clinic on an app with thresholds for patients' personalized healthcare parameters, allowing the hospital to be proactively contacted if certain data is at dangerous levels. And Epic Systems, which provides software for hospitals, has also begun developing integration with HealthKit.
iOS 8 is currently in beta for developer testing. It is expected to launch on iPhone and iPad this fall. AppleInsider will have continuing coverage of the iOS 8 beta test period throughout the summer.
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15 Comments
Very cool technology. I am sure insurance companies will love access to all this data. :) -kpluck
[quote name="kpluck" url="/t/180445/ios-8-first-look-video-apples-health-app-and-emergency-medical-id#post_2545075"]Very cool technology. I am sure insurance companies will love access to all this data. :) -kpluck[/quote] I heard in iOS 9 you'll be able to airdrop STDs straight from your healthbook.... Also all info is stored on the phone I believe
"In its current pre-release state, there is no way to view the Medical ID from the lock screen." That's actually inaccurate. If you slide to unclock and tap Emergency on bottom left, you can see your Medical ID information (if you have entered some in the Health App). It's not easy to access but it's there.
Just a heads up, you actually can access the emergency card from the lockscreen, but only if it is passcode-enabled (seeing as you can get to it from the emergency call menu).
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The Health app is obviously basic in the first iOS 8 beta, as developers must now build apps and devices using the HealthKit application programming interface. In its current pre-release state, there is no way to view the Medical ID from the lock screen.
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That's actually inaccurate. If you have filled out your Medical ID profile, you can go on lock screen, slide to unlock. On bottom left, tap Emergency. On the bottom left, you will see a link to Medical ID.
I'll admit it's a bit convoluted, but it's there.