The centralised version trialled on the Isle of Wight worked well at assessing the distance between two users, but was poor at recognising Apple's iPhones.

Specifically, the software registered about 75% of nearby Android handsets but only 4% of iPhones.

By contrast, the Apple-Google model logged 99% of both Android mobiles and iPhones. But its distance calculations were weaker.

In some instances, it could not differentiate between a phone in a user's pocket 1m (3.3ft) away and a phone in a user's hand 3m (9.8ft) away.

Experiments in Ireland have flagged a similar issue.

At the Downing Street briefing, Health Secretary Matt Hancock suggested the original plan might have worked had it not been for Apple's restrictions on third-party apps' use of Bluetooth.
Image copyright PA Media
Image caption Mr Hancock said he would not recommend use of a contact-tracing app "unless I'm confident in it"

"Apple software prevents iPhones being used effectively for contact tracing unless you're using Apple's own technology," he said.

"Our app won't work because Apple won't change that system... and their app can't measure distance well enough to a standard that we are satisfied with."

Какой ебаный позорный кошмарный стыд. Какой пиздец. Ебаный Эппл реально нагибает весь мир.

Почему бы не запретить продажи айфонов в Европе, например?