Apple's latest iPhone software update, iOS 13.5, includes an anticipated tech partnership between Apple and Google: COVID-19 exposure notification. .

The feature uses Bluetooth and contact-tracing technology from authorized public health apps to alert users of a possible exposure to the virus.

You'll receive a notification when you've come in contact with someone who has tested positive and has reported test results to a compatible health app.

Now that the software is available for installation, public health agencies can start incorporating the application programming interface (API) into their apps; 22 countries and three US states currently have access to begin doing so.

To enable the contact-tracing feature on your iPhone, you'll need to first update your device to iOS 13.5 as you normally would update it, through the "General" section of your Settings app.

Once your iPhone installs the new software and restarts, you'll find the new COVID-19 notification feature at the top of the "Health" page in the "Privacy" section of your Settings app. .

It's important to note, however, that until you are able to install a compatible public health app, the feature will remain off and you will not be able to receive notifications.

Here's how to update your device and enable the COVID-19 exposure notifications. .

To check which software version you are currently using or to manually install the latest one, you'll need to access the "General" tab of your Settings app.

Open Settings on your iPhone after updating to iOS 13.5.

Since you've updated, you'll find a new tab at the top labeled "COVID-19 Exposure Logging." Tap to view the new settings options

On the COVID-19 page, you'll see a switch at the top to turn on "Exposure Logging." If you have a compatible public health app installed, you'll be able to tap or switch the toggle from gray to green

This main page will also give you the option to delete your exposure log once you're able to use the tracking feature