Skip to main content

Apple will encourage organ donation with the looming release of iOS 10

It’s not just the DMV anymore — Apple wants you to become an organ donor, too. On Tuesday, the Cupertino, California-based tech giant announced that iPhone users would be able to sign up to be an organ, eye, and tissue donor, all from the Health app. The change will be implemented with the release of iOS 10, which is slated to be available later this month. Thanks to a partnership between Apple and Donate Life America, with a few taps of your screen, you’ll be able to register as a donor, and as Apple says, carry that decision with you wherever you go.

Once an iPhone owner signs up through the Health app, the registration is submitted to the national Donate Life Registry, which is in turn managed by Donate Life America. “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 and 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.”

Recommended Videos

Apple CEO Tim Cook noted the personal connection the company has to the issue, telling the Associated Press that the “excruciating” experience late Apple co-founder and former CEO Steve Jobs endured in 2009 was impetus enough for this new feature.  “Watching and seeing him every day, waiting and not knowing — it stuck with me and left an impression that I’ll never forget,” Cook told The Associated Press. Cook offered to donate part of his own liver to help his former boss, though the offer was ultimately refused.

“Apple’s mission has always been to create products that transform people’s lives. With the updated Health app, we’re providing education and awareness about organ donation and making it easier than ever to register. It’s a simple process that takes just a few seconds and could help save up to eight lives,” said Jeff Williams, Apple’s chief operating officer. “Together with Donate Life America, we’re excited to deliver this new feature to iPhone users in the U.S. with iOS 10.”

Lulu Chang
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…
The iPad doesn’t need AI, but Apple must fix something else
Top view of the rear shell on the 11th Gen iPad.

I just finished testing the new entry-level iPad, and so far, I am fairly impressed by the tablet. You can’t get a better value than this slate for $349. From the external hardware to the innards, there is hardly any alternative from the Android side that can deliver a superior experience.
This year, Apple delivered a couple of surprises, in addition to the expected chip upgrade. You now get twice the storage for the same ask, and the RAM has also been bumped up. In a nutshell, it’s faster, better at multi-tasking, and without any storage headaches, even if your budget is tight.
Apple, however, hasn’t fixed the software situation with iPadOS, which continues to bother with its fair share of quirks in tow. This year, however, the software gulf is even wider between the baseline iPad and every other tablet in Apple’s portfolio. Stage Manager has been the big differentiator so far, but in 2025, we have another deep chasm.

A good riddance with AI

Read more
iPadOS 19: everything you need to know
Control Center on the 11th Gen iPad.

We're expecting iPadOS 19, the next software version for iPad, to land during Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this year. From what we've heard, it looks like it could be a significant update. Here's what we know so far about iPadOS 19 — we'll find out if these rumors are true in June.
When will iPadOS 19 be revealed?
Apple announced that this year's WWDC will run from June 9 to 13. That means iPadOS 19, codenamed "Luck," will likely be announced during the keynote event, held on June 9. The start time for this is yet to be confirmed, but last year it was at 10 a.m. PDT, so we can likely expect something similar this year.

Alongside iPadOS 19, we should also see iOS 19, watchOS 12, and macOS 16 — and there may even be some hardware announcements.
What do the rumors say?
We don't know as much about iPadOS 19 as we do iOS 19, but there are a few things we could expect.

Read more
CarPlay in iOS 18.4: four key feature upgrades explained
CarPlay shown in March 2025.

Apple rarely updates CarPlay, but several changes are expected in the upcoming iOS 18.4 update. There’s truly something for everyone in the update.

Let’s begin with the fun news. In iOS 18.4, CarPlay will be integrating sports app functionality. This enhancement will enable drivers to view live sports scores and information on the road. Since this feature is available through an API, any sports app developer can implement it. Apple’s official Sports app will likely be the first, although that hasn't been confirmed.

Read more