Apple is restricting certain COVID-19 vaccine passports — and that's a good thing

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Strict rules for proof of vaccination apps

Apple App Store
(Image credit: Apple)

Apple is tightening its rules for apps that offer proof of vaccination for COVID-19, rejecting apps on the App Store that don't meet requirements.

In an announcement to developers, apps that offer a vaccine passport must be submitted by developers who work with public health authorities, such as test kit manufacturers, laboratories, or healthcare providers. This is to control the spread of misinformation, as there has been a significant increase in apps on the App Store that validate vaccines. 

"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," the report stated.

Apple added it will also be accepting apps submitted directly by the government, medical and other credentialed institutions, but it will reject anything that relates to COVID-19 under games and entertainment.

A number of apps on the App Store will let users add a valid COVID-19 vaccination record or passport to the Apple Wallet, such as Healthvana. With travel around the world open in select destinations, or simply going to work, proof of vaccination records or passports is becoming a go-to for validation. With Apple providing strict restrictions to regulate the spread of misinformation, we'll hopefully not see anyone try to falsify information.

More companies such as Google are implementing COVID-19 related info into their apps, with Google Maps and Search now showing COVID-19 vaccination locations. 

Darragh Murphy
Darragh Murphy
Editor

Darragh Murphy is fascinated by all things bizarre, which usually leads to assorted coverage varying from washing machines designed for AirPods to the mischievous world of cyberattacks. Whether it's connecting Scar from The Lion King to two-factor authentication or turning his love for gadgets into a fabricated rap battle from 8 Mile, he believes there’s always a quirky spin to be made. With a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from The University of Sheffield, along with short stints at Kerrang! and Exposed Magazine, Darragh started his career writing about the tech industry at Time Out Dubai and ShortList Dubai, covering everything from the latest iPhone models and Huawei laptops to massive Esports events in the Middle East. Now, he can be found proudly diving into gaming, gadgets, and letting readers know the joys of docking stations for Laptop Mag.