App Store to require ‘COVID-19 health pass’ apps to be submitted by public health authorities

Apple announced that apps that generate health passes used to enter buildings and access in-person services based on testing and vaccination records will be required to be submitted directly by health authorities. 

Here is the full statement: 

“With the recent release of COVID-19 vaccines, we’ve seen an increase in apps that generate health passes used to enter buildings and access in-person services based on testing and vaccination records. To ensure these apps responsibly handle sensitive data and provide reliable functionality, they must be submitted by developers working with entities recognized by public health authorities, such as test kit manufacturers, laboratories, or healthcare providers. As with other apps related to COVID-19, we also accept apps submitted directly by government, medical, and other credentialed institutions.”

This is not the first step Apple took to stop misleading information on the subject. We already know that Apple doesn’t allow games and entertainment apps with COVID-19 themes.