Stiffen Warrantest: Warning apps do not alert iPhone users

Disaster warning processors such as Nina, Catwarn and Warnwetter should warn of impending floods, heavy rains and storms and give tips on what to do if a chemical plant explodes nearby. But sometimes the warnings aren’t really available to everyone, she says succinctly Stifting Warrant, Behind you Tested five processors like this.

IPhone users who have enabled the “Do Not Disturb” function on their device are vulnerable. For example, at night or during an appointment, it is important to make sure that you are not bothered by the sound and visual signs of new emails or the like. But it also blocks messages from alert apps.

“High-level warning messages should still penetrate and disrupt sleep in a loud tone,” says Stifting Warrantest. Users on Android smartphones can control this, as Google’s operating system offers the option of choosing whether to issue sound alerts to each processor individually in the “Do Not Disturb” mode.

“Important warnings” should be requested

In the case of iPhones, app developers must first have the “Critical Alerts” functionality enabled by Apple to avoid the “Do Not Disturb” mode. But none of the applications tested by Stifting Warrantest use this function.

The developers at Nina and Pivap asked if they would like to submit the “Important Alerts” function with the next application update. The German Meteorological Service, on the other hand, wants to check whether a service provider needs to introduce this functionality, while Cutwern says it is not planned to use “critical warnings”.

For now, iPhone users should rely on the fact that if one of these processors spits a message while their smartphone is in “do not disturb” mode, they will be alerted in other ways.

iOS 15 should help

But that should change with iOS 15, Apple has announced the fall. In addition to many new discoveries, the team wants to introduce the option of allowing selected apps to make calls and messages, even if the notification lock is activated by “Do Not Disturb”. Although this software is currently in development, new options are already available in the current beta version.

If you do not want to wait until iOS 15 is officially released, you can pre-install it. To do this, go to the website Apple beta software program , With the device on which you want to install the software. Here you can sign up for the initial version. Click “Register” to sign up for a beta plan with your Apple ID.

However, install beta software only if you are willing to accept unavoidable bugs or crashes with pre-release software. Anyone who relies on a properly functioning device, for example for professional reasons, will have to wait until Apple releases the final version of iOS 15.