Apple Organ Coming To iOS Devices; Organ Donors Targeted

Apple is adding new a feature to the “Health” app in iOS devices, which allows users to register as organ donors. With just a few taps, users can choose to donate their essential organs for the use of others in the event they die. This makes the registration process much easier and could save even more lives when more organs become available. The feature will be made available once the iOS 10 is released later this year.

Speaking to the Associated Press, Apple CEO Tim Cook explained their reasons for adding the feature to their Health app, saying that the shortage of organs has been a problem in the U.S. for a long time. The previous CEO and co-founder of Apple, Steve Jobs suffered the effects of what Cook says was an “excruciating wait” while Jobs was slated for a liver transplant.

"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.

When Jobs did get the liver that he needed, the transplant was credited for extending his life for a while more. Unfortunately, the former Apple CEO died of a complication nonetheless, which the delay in transplant could have made worse.

Liver Wait lists are not the only problems regarding organ transplants either since shortage in stomachs, hearts, eyes, and skin is worse. According to the National Kidney Foundation, 121,678 Americans are waiting for organ transplants. Of these, 100,791 need kidney transplants.

As a result of the shortage, 22 people who are in need of organ transplants die every day on average. Compounding the problem is the fact that a new patient is added to the list every 10 minutes. This new feature by Apple is meant to shorten the difference between the number of people who support organ donation and those who are registered organ donors.