The move brings together the largest mobile operating systems in an effort to use smartphone location technology to track and potentially contain the global COVID-19 outbreak.

The move would allow apps to be created enabling smartphones powered by Apple software and Google-backed Android operating system to exchange information with a joint “opt in system” using Bluetooth wireless technology.

The companies next month plan to release software interface technology to allow for interoperability — so that an alert would work regardless of the operating system.