Hartley Charlton
April 19, 2023
Apple has published its 2023 Environmental Progress Report, outlining its efforts to combat climate change and reduce its impact on the environment. The report covers Apple's chemical research, recycling and device recovery operations, energy efficiency improvements, use of renewable energy, reduction of waste, and support of community action. Apple aims to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 and plans to accelerate the transition to recycled materials across its devices. The report also includes individual Product Environmental Reports that break down the environmental impact of Apple's products.
Mack Degeurin
April 18, 2023
Israeli digital surveillance company NSO Group used at least three new "zero-click" attacks last year to target human rights workers and civil society members worldwide who use Apple devices, according to research from The Citizen Lab. The exploits could tap into a victim's device without any interaction from the target. Two of the attacks targeted iPhone's FindMy feature, while another exploited Apple's iPhone's HomeKit and iMessage functionalities. Apple's recently enabled "Lockdown Mode" successfully fended off some of the attacks, and an Apple spokesperson said the exploits only affected a small number of customers. NSO has been criticized for selling its Pegasus spyware to authoritarian regimes.
Nadeem Sarwar
Jan. 17, 2023
Apple has agreed to an independent analysis of its labor practices, covering workers' right to organize and demand better terms. The agreement was made with a coalition of investors who collectively command $7 billion worth of Apple stock. The company plans to conduct an assessment on its efforts to comply with its Human Rights Policy before the end of the year. The move is significant as Apple has been accused of union-busting conduct in the past.
Noam Scheiber
Jan. 17, 2023
Apple workers are organizing to form a union to improve their pay, scheduling input, and job transparency. However, some workers believe that Apple's recent wage increase was an attempt to undermine their efforts. Workers have filed charges against Apple for labor law violations, including illegal monitoring, prohibiting union fliers, and threatening workers for organizing. The National Labor Relations Board has issued formal complaints in two cases. Apple denies the claims and emphasizes its commitment to open communication with its employees. An investor coalition argues that Apple's response to the union campaigns contradicts its human rights policy.
Joe Mcdonald And Zen Soo
Nov. 23, 2022
Workers at Foxconn's biggest factory in Zhengzhou, China, protested over a pay dispute, causing delays in the production of Apple's iPhone 14. The protest erupted after the company changed the terms of their pay, leading to thousands of employees walking away from the factory. The Chinese government is trying to contain the latest wave of COVID-19 outbreaks without shutting down factories and the rest of its economy. Foxconn offered higher pay to attract more workers, but the company denied comments online that employees with the virus lived in dormitories at the Zhengzhou factory.
Nov. 23, 2022
Police in China beat workers protesting over a pay dispute at Foxconn, the biggest factory for Apple's iPhone. The factory is struggling to fill orders for the iPhone 14 after thousands of employees walked away last month following complaints about unsafe working conditions. The protest erupted after employees who had traveled long distances to take jobs at the factory complained that the company changed terms of their pay. Videos online showed thousands of people in masks facing rows of police in white protective suits with plastic riot shields. The protest lasted through Wednesday morning as thousands of workers gathered outside dormitories and confronted factory security workers.
Nov. 23, 2022
Employees at the world's largest Apple iPhone factory in Zhengzhou, China, were beaten and detained during protests over pay amid anti-virus controls. Videos on social media showed thousands of people in masks facing rows of police in white protective suits with plastic riot shields. The ruling Communist Party promised to reduce disruptions by shortening quarantines and making other changes, but it is sticking to a "zero-COVID" strategy that aims to isolate every case while other governments relax controls and try to live with the virus.
Joe Mcdonald
Oct. 31, 2022
Workers at a Foxconn factory in central China, which is the main iPhone assembly site, have left the factory following virus outbreaks and complaints of unsafe working conditions. Some employees fell ill in mid-October and received no treatment, and while Foxconn has begun requiring face masks and disinfecting the workplace daily, there are still people getting infected at the assembly lines. As other countries ease anti-virus curbs, exporters in China are trying to fill orders while coping with a “Zero COVID” strategy that abruptly shuts down cities for a week or longer to contain outbreaks.
Joe Mcdonald Associated Press
Oct. 31, 2022
Workers at a Foxconn factory in central China, which is the main iPhone assembly site, have left the facility following virus outbreaks and complaints of unsafe working conditions. Some workers fell ill in mid-October and received no treatment, and there are still people getting infected at the assembly lines. Foxconn has begun requiring face masks and disinfects the workplace daily, but work continues normally. It is unclear how many workers left the factory, which employs about 200,000 people. Companies are required to pay for anti-disease controls and monitoring of employees for possible infections, but this gives them an incentive to cut corners.
Jimmys Post
Sept. 24, 2022
Believe, a digital music company, and TuneCore, an independent artist-direct digital music distributor, have organized a one-day program of master classes at the Gender Equality Hub during the Reeperbahn Festival in Germany. The program is part of Keychange's career-building programming and is open to all attendees, with priority given to women and gender minorities. Among those presenting master classes are YouTube, Apple Music, SoundCloud, TikTok, RecordJet, and Sentric Music. Attendees will also hear from German HipHop/R&B artist Theo Junior, who will share his journey as an artist and navigating his career after going viral with his hit "Ups and Downs."
Oliver Milman
Sept. 21, 2022
Indigenous leaders from the Amazon are urging major western brands and banks to stop supporting the destruction of the rainforest through mining, oil drilling, and logging. They warn that the ecosystem is on the brink of collapse. A new report by the Association of Brazil’s Indigenous Peoples (APIB) alleges that brands such as Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla all have products that may be tainted by gold illegally mined in Amazon Indigenous territories. Illegal gold mining has soared in Brazil since the election of President Jair Bolsonaro, whose allies are currently attempting to push a bill through the country’s congress that would allow mineral extraction in Indigenous lands. Indigenous activists have also accused several major US financiers, including Blackrock, Vanguard, and JP Morgan Chase, of funding ongoing logging and mining activities in the Amazon that are contributing to the rainforest’s degradation. The Amazon’s deforestation rate in Brazil has hit a six-year high, data released in July found.
Sean Lyngaas
July 6, 2022
Apple has announced a new feature called Lockdown Mode that will be released this fall for iPhone, Mac, and iPad operating software. The feature is designed to protect high-risk users such as journalists and human rights workers from sophisticated spyware that has been linked to human rights abuses. Lockdown Mode will allow users to cordon off parts of their devices from avenues of attack, but there are some tradeoffs. Apple has declined to specify the number of customers who have been targeted by spyware, but the company has notified customers in about 150 countries that they may have been targeted. The announcement is a recognition that spyware is a global problem that pits surveillance firms against tech giants. Spyware makers will likely try to find ways of circumventing Lockdown Mode, and to account for that, Apple said it will pay security researchers who report vulnerabilities in the new feature up to $2 million.
Gelo Gonzales Gelo Gonzales Is Rappler S Technology Editor. He Covers Consumer Electronics Social Media Emerging Tech Video Games.
June 1, 2022
A report by the Tech Transparency Project (TTP) has called out Apple for being part of business associations that lobby against climate change policies, including the Texas Association of Business (TAB), which has a history of fighting against regulations designed to curb carbon emissions. The report also found that Apple is part of groups in Europe and Japan that have a history of lobbying against climate change action. Despite Apple's reputation for being an advocate for taking action against climate change, the report questions how the company can square its association with TAB with its environmental positions.
May 12, 2022
Apple has announced that it is discontinuing the iPod Touch, the last remaining model of the portable music player. The iPod was introduced over two decades ago and revolutionized the way people listened to music. It allowed users to store their entire music library on one device and expanded their musical tastes. The shuffle function of iPods gained a cult following, with users trusting the device to choose songs at random. However, with the rise of smartphones, the need for a separate music player has diminished. The iPod Touch enjoyed a renaissance as a starter device for children, but its discontinuation marks the end of an era.
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April 22, 2022
FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has accused Apple CEO Tim Cook of hypocrisy on human rights issues, citing the company's dealings with the Chinese Communist Party as being at odds with its commitment to protecting consumer rights. Carr's concerns were detailed in a letter that referenced Cook's recent keynote address at the IAPP Global Privacy Summit 2022. Apple has faced criticism for expanding business operations in China despite mounting concerns that Beijing is committing human rights abuses against its population. Carr pressed Cook to inform the FCC by April 29 whether Apple planned to restore access to the Congressionally-funded "Voice of America" app.
Jan. 27, 2022
Apple is celebrating Black History Month by releasing a new episode of "Time to Walk" featuring activist Ayọ Tometi, one of the founders of Black Lives Matter. In the episode, Tometi reflects on the murder of Trayvon Martin and how it impacted her activism, and how changing her name made her think differently about life. Apple is also launching other features and products for Black History Month, including a special edition Apple Watch and Apple Maps curated Guides. However, Apple employees have requested a re-investigation into past complaints of racism at the company.
Barry Egan
Jan. 27, 2022
Randy Newman, a respected American songwriter, is known for his tragi-comic take on the world and the cynical oddballs in it. He has won two Oscars, three Emmys, and seven Grammys for his work. While many know him for his movie songs, such as 'You've Got a Friend in Me' from Toy Story, the majority of his songs have a sociopolitical satire. Newman's dry sense of humor and sardonic songwriting style are matched by his ability to bring out a monster and make you see the human underneath. His 1972 song 'Sail Away' is a depressing masterpiece, while 'Rednecks' is an upbeat jeremiad against racism in America. Newman's experience of being a Jew in the deep south shaped his hatred of prejudice, and he has written a few autobiographical songs, including 'Dixie Flyer'.
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Jan. 25, 2022
The Indian government is planning to create an indigenous operating system for mobile phones as an alternative to Google's Android and Apple's iOS. The Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, stated that there is currently no third operating system dominating the market and the government is looking for capabilities within start-up and academic ecosystems to develop this new OS.
Jan. 24, 2022
The Indian government is planning to create an indigenous operating system as an alternative to Google's Android and Apple's iOS. The Union Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said that the government is looking for capabilities within start-up and academic ecosystems for development of an indigenous operating system. The government aims to create domestic champions in each of the leading product categories. The production-linked incentive tool will continue to encourage various manufacturing segments. The Vision Document on Electronics Manufacturing prepared by the industry body ICEA details a roadmap for achieving $300 billion electronics manufacturing in the country by 2026 from the current level of $75 billion.
Jan. 24, 2022
The Indian government is planning to create an indigenous operating system as an alternative to Google's Android and Apple's iOS. The Minister of State for Electronics and IT, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, said that the government is looking for capabilities within start-up and academic ecosystems for the development of the operating system. The government aims to create domestic champions in each of the leading product categories. The production-linked incentive tool will continue to encourage various manufacturing segments, and the government is looking to achieve USD 300 billion electronics manufacturing in the country by 2026.
Dec. 29, 2021
Apple has put its long-time contractor, Foxconn, on probation after a factory in India that employs 17,000 people to make the iPhone 12 made hundreds of its employees violently ill. The factory was the subject of widespread protests last week after a bad bout of food poisoning left hundreds of workers in need of medical attention. The incident has now spawned calls to investigate the way in which the factory's workers are treated. Foxconn has been widely viewed as a nightmare for workers since as far back as the Steve Jobs days.
Manish Singh
Dec. 29, 2021
Apple has put Foxconn's southern India factory on probation after protests from workers over poor food and accommodation conditions. The factory employs about 17,000 people, and protests erupted after hundreds of women who work at the plant and live in one of the hostels had to be treated for food poisoning and more than 100 were hospitalized. Apple has dispatched independent auditors to assess the situation, and Foxconn is investigating the recent issues. This isn't the first time Apple has had to deal with an issue of this kind in India.
Dec. 29, 2021
250 women working at Foxconn's iPhone factory in Tamil Nadu, India were treated for food poisoning, with 159 being hospitalized. This led to demonstrations against the living conditions at company hostels, resulting in the factory being closed since December 18. Apple has placed the plant on probation and is working with the supplier to implement corrective actions. Foxconn has apologized and is taking steps to enhance facilities and services. The factory employs 17,000 people and makes iPhones for the Indian market and for export. Apple has faced criticism in the past for the treatment of workers at its partner factories in China.
Dec. 21, 2021
Foxconn's plant in southern India, which produces iPhone 12 models, will remain closed this week due to protests following a food poisoning incident that led to 150 employees being hospitalized. Apple and Foxconn have not commented on the situation. The disruption comes at a time when Apple is already dealing with supply chain bottlenecks, which it warned would worsen during the holiday quarter. However, the impact on Apple is expected to be low as it is a lean period until at least February. The factory also produces Amazon Fire TV sticks and some Xiaomi devices.
Dec. 21, 2021
Foxconn's plant near Chennai, India, which produces iPhone 12 models, Amazon Fire TV sticks, and some Xiaomi devices, will remain closed this week due to protests following a food poisoning incident that led to 150 employees being admitted to the hospital. Apple and Foxconn have not commented on the situation. The disruption comes as Apple and other consumer products companies are dealing with supply chain bottlenecks that have impacted production. However, the impact on Apple is expected to be low as it is a lean period until at least February. The factory has committed roughly $900 million over five years to make iPhones in India.
Javaid Naikoo
Dec. 7, 2021
Unseasonal snowfall in Kashmir valley has caused significant damage to apple crops, affecting the livelihoods of farmers and the economy of the region. Environmental changes such as inconsistent rainfall, decreased water availability, excessively high summer temperatures, and early snowfall have been repeatedly affecting the yields of apple crops. The decline in quality of the fruit due to these factors has added to the pressure on the farmers' bottom line. The apple industry is the largest employment generator in the region, providing 3.5 million people with employment and contributing to about 10% of its GDP. The adverse impact of environmental changes has also affected apple cultivation in Himachal Pradesh.
Hartley Charlton
Oct. 27, 2021
Apple has announced 10 new projects for its "Power for Impact" initiative, which aims to bring clean energy solutions to communities around the world. The company has more than doubled the number of its suppliers committed to using 100% clean energy over the past year. The projects involve providing renewable energy to healthcare and educational institutions, as well as surrounding households, using rooftop solar installations. Apple's goal is to reach carbon neutrality across its business by 2030, and it has already reduced its carbon emissions by 40% over the past five years.
None
Oct. 23, 2021
The author of the review usually prefers big phones, but finds the iPhone 13 Pro Max too big for their liking. They mention the history of larger phones and the ridicule the first Galaxy Note phones received.
George Avalos Business Reporter George Avalos Is A Business Reporter For The Bay Area News Group Who Covers The Economy Jobs Consumer Prices Commercial Real Estate Airlines Airports Pg E For The Mercury News East Bay Times. He Is A Graduate Of San Francisco State University With A Ba Degree In Broadcasting
Aug. 17, 2021
Apple has invested in 15 Black-owned and Brown-owned firms, including three in the Bay Area, as part of its efforts to bolster racial justice and social equity. The three Bay Area companies are Bench-Tek Solutions, Mosaic Global Transportation, and Vericool. Apple's accelerator will focus on investing in minority-owned businesses that drive positive outcomes in the company's supply chain and in communities that are disproportionately affected by environmental hazards. The program is part of a broader racial equity and justice initiative that the company announced earlier this year.
June 10, 2021
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gifted a framed photograph of a British mural depicting Black abolitionist Frederick Douglass to US President Joe Biden during the G7 summit. In return, Biden gave Johnson a US-made bicycle and helmet, and a silk scarf and leather bag made by military wives for his wife Carrie. The mural is a nod to the Black Lives Matter movement, and Douglass was an abolitionist leader who toured Britain and Ireland. The first lady, Jill Biden, was given a first edition copy of 'The Apple Tree' by Daphne du Maurier.
June 10, 2021
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gifted a framed photograph of a British mural depicting Black 19th century abolitionist Frederick Douglass to US President Joe Biden during the G7 summit. In return, Biden gifted Johnson a US-made bicycle and helmet, and a scarf and bag for his wife Carrie. The mural is a nod to the Black Lives Matter movement and depicts Douglass, who escaped slavery in the US and became an abolitionist leader who toured Britain and Ireland. The first lady, Jill Biden, was given a first edition copy of 'The Apple Tree' by Daphne du Maurier.
June 10, 2021
UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson gifted US President Joe Biden a framed photograph of a British mural depicting Black 19th century abolitionist Frederick Douglass during the G7 summit. The mural is a nod to the Black Lives Matter movement and was painted on a residential street corner in Edinburgh by artist Ross Blair. Biden has ancestral ties to Douglass, who escaped slavery in the US and became an abolitionist leader. First Lady Jill Biden was also given a first edition copy of 'The Apple Tree' by British author Daphne du Maurier.
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May 10, 2021
Human rights groups have found evidence that seven Apple suppliers in China are using forced labor through state-run “poverty alleviation programs” targeting the Uyghur population. The suppliers operate in prison-like compounds, with detention centers attached to factories, complete with guards in watchtowers. The same suppliers also produce components for Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. Apple said it actively looks for evidence of forced labor as part of its regular supplier inspections, but has not found any. Claims of forced labor in Apple's supply chain surface regularly, with the company investigating and generally choosing to quietly sever ties rather than issue statements.
Joe Wituschek
May 4, 2021
Apple has ordered a new documentary series called "Big Man on Campus" which follows the freshman year of Makur Maker, a basketball player who chose to play for Howard University in support of Historically Black Colleges and Universities during the Black Lives Matter movement and the pandemic. The series is directed and executive produced by Seth Gordon and produced by Exhibit A, Boardwalk Pictures, and Sony Pictures Television. The show will explore the socio-political complexities of America during this unprecedented time. The premiere date is currently unknown.
Joe Wituschek
April 23, 2021
Apple's VP of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives, Lisa Jackson, spoke with The Washington Post about the company's plan to become completely carbon neutral by 2030. While Apple is already carbon neutral, Jackson says there is still work to be done to make all of its supply chain and product use carbon neutral. She also discussed Apple's continuing work in the area, including the Restore Fund, which invests in a greener economy. Jackson remains optimistic about the United States moving towards a better future and believes that all Americans need to feel part of the solution to address climate change. Apple is celebrating Earth Day by highlighting content across its ecosystem.
Ian Sherr He Him His Grew Up In The San Francisco Bay Area So He'S Always Had A Connection To The Tech World. At Cnet He Wrote About Apple Microsoft Vr Video Games Internet Troubles. Aside Writing He Tinkers With Tech At Home
Feb. 25, 2021
Apple has donated $1 million to Encircle, a Utah-based nonprofit that provides community centers for LGBTQ youths and families. Encircle plans to use the funds to open eight new homes in Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. Apple's donation is part of its social justice initiatives, which expanded amid racial strife across the US last summer. The program offers free and subsidized group and individual therapy sessions, art and music studios, community classes, and service projects. The move marks Apple's latest efforts to challenge systemic barriers to opportunity and dignity that exist for communities of color, and particularly for the black community.
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Feb. 10, 2021
Apple has apologized to the developer of an indigenous language app, Sm'algyax Word, after mistakenly removing it from the App Store. The app was developed by a first-year UBC student from Prince Rupert, B.C. who is a member of the Gitga'at community of the Ts'msyen First Nation. The app was launched on Android and iOS in July but was unexpectedly removed a few weeks later. Apple accused the young developer of dishonest and fraudulent acts, but later apologized and reinstated his developer account and app. Apple stated that it had removed more than half-a-million developer accounts for fraudulent activity in the last year.
Sami Fathi
Feb. 10, 2021
Apple has apologized to Brendan Eshom, a member of the Ts'msyen First Nation community, for falsely accusing him of dishonest and fraudulent acts and removing his app, "Sm'algyax Word," from the App Store. The app serves as a dictionary for phrases and words from Sm'algyax, a language meant to be preserved for generations to come. Eshom's app was unexpectedly removed from the App Store when it acquired around 600 downloads, pushing it to the top charts in the Education category. Apple apologized for the mistake and promised to improve its processes to ensure it does not happen again. The incident highlights concerns about Apple's moderation policy, particularly in light of the continued presence of scam apps on the App Store.
None
Jan. 30, 2021
Five Indigenous artists will have their work showcased in the Deadly Denim collection at New York Fashion Week next month, bringing the red dust of Port Hedland to the catwalks of New York.
Jan. 28, 2021
Apple recorded more than $100 billion in sales in the last three months of 2020, with iPhone sales up 17% year over year, making it the best quarter in the history of the smartphone. However, Apple CEO Tim Cook acknowledged the challenges posed by the pandemic and the devastation it inflicted on people around the world. He pledged that Apple would be a partner in the effort to restore normal life and prosperity in communities and to build back with a sense of justice. Cook also noted Apple's plans to dedicate $100 million to new racial equity initiatives and its commitment to invest $350 billion throughout the American economy.
Jan. 13, 2021
Apple has announced three new projects as part of its $100 million racial equality initiative to address systemic racism. The projects include a new innovation and learning hub in Atlanta to support historically Black colleges and universities, a new developer academy in Detroit, and investments in two venture capital firms that provide funding to minority-owned small businesses. The Propel Center in Atlanta will offer mentorship, career opportunities, and an in-house curriculum that includes artificial intelligence and machine learning, entertainment arts, app development, and more. The Detroit academy will offer a 30-day course for new developers and a 10- to 12-month program to help developers work at or start their own iOS app development firms. Apple is also investing in firms funding minority entrepreneurs.
Romain Dillet
Jan. 13, 2021
Apple has announced new initiatives as part of its $100 million Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI). The company will contribute $25 million to the Propel Center, an innovation and learning hub for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and open an Apple Developer Academy in downtown Detroit focused on young Black entrepreneurs. Additionally, Apple will invest $10 million with Harlem Capital, a VC firm based in New York, and $25 million in Siebert Williams Shank’s Clear Vision Impact Fund. The company is evaluating each opportunity individually to find the best collaboration.
Avery Hartmans
Jan. 12, 2021
Apple has announced three new projects as part of its $100 million racial equality initiative to address systemic racism. The projects include a new innovation and learning hub in Atlanta to support historically Black colleges and universities, a new developer academy in Detroit, and investments in two venture capital firms that provide funding to minority-owned small businesses. The Propel Center in Atlanta will offer mentorship, career opportunities, and an in-house curriculum that includes artificial intelligence and machine learning, entertainment arts, and app development. The Detroit academy will offer a 30-day course for new developers and a 10- to 12-month program to help developers work at or start their own iOS app development firms. Apple CEO Tim Cook said that the projects are about giving more people opportunity and that there is systemic racism that needs to be addressed.
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Jan. 9, 2021
The owners of Prince Street Pizza in New York, Frank Morano and his son Dominic, are stepping down from day-to-day operations after being accused of making racist comments and mocking the Black Lives Matter movement. The accusations came to light after a food blogger posted screenshots of the comments on Instagram, leading to negative reviews on Yelp. The comments included racist slurs and curse-laden attacks on customers who accused the owners of discrimination. The owners have apologized for their behavior and promised to do better.
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Dec. 18, 2020
A coalition of over 150 activist groups has written an open letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, criticizing the company's failure to protect freedom of information and expression. The letter highlights Apple's failure to implement its own human rights policy, lobbying efforts to undermine the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, continued repression of Apple Store employees in Hong Kong, and more. The group accuses Apple of enabling violations of human rights in Hong Kong and calls for concrete steps towards making changes.
None
Dec. 15, 2020
Workers at a Taiwanese-run iPhone factory in southern India went on a violent rampage over allegations of unpaid wages and exploitation. Authorities have arrested 100 people so far and have promised to take action against those responsible for the rioting.
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Dec. 15, 2020
Thousands of contract workers at an Apple supplier's factory in India protested poor labor conditions and unpaid wages, causing millions of dollars in damages. The demonstration turned violent after police arrived, with workers smashing windows, vandalizing cars, and setting at least one fire. Wistron, the Taiwan-based manufacturer that runs the factory, alleged that the demonstrators stole laptops and smartphones, smashed cars and golf carts, and destroyed other office equipment. Indian police arrested more than 100 of the workers. Apple launched its own probe of whether Wistron violated supplier guidelines at the factory.
Tyler Sonnemaker
Nov. 10, 2020
Nike, Coca-Cola, and Apple were among the companies that lobbied to weaken a bill aimed at banning US firms from relying on Chinese forced labor. The Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act would ban many goods imported from Xinjiang unless companies prove they weren't made with forced labor. The bill passed the House in September by a 406-3 margin and has the support needed to pass the Senate. Various reports have linked Nike, Coca-Cola, Apple, and other major US companies to suppliers in the region, where China has been accused of detaining and violating the rights of as many as one million Uighurs and other Muslim minorities.
Nov. 8, 2020
Mamma-Miya, an app that helps busy moms prioritize themselves and keep track of their schedules, was one of two Indian teams selected for the latest session of Apple Entrepreneur Camp. The camp offers one-on-one guidance from Apple experts and engineers on their app, mentorship, and insights from Apple's top leaders. The other team from India in the camp was Metamagics, which developed the Transplant Care app focused on patient education and empowerment to reduce complications and improve long-term, post-transplant outcomes. Both teams worked hard during the camp to make changes in their apps, and participants get ongoing support and become part of a community of alumni.
Oct. 19, 2020
Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business list for 2020 has changed its criteria to include how executives are using their power to shape their companies and the wider world for the better, especially in the current crisis. The tech industry's failings have been highlighted, with Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, Oracle CEO Safra Catz, YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, and Microsoft CFO Amy Hood slipping from their 2019 rankings. However, Google CFO Ruth Porat, Best Buy CEO Corie Barry, AMD CEO Lisa Su, and Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s SVP of retail and people, moved up. There are also some tech newcomers on the list, including Apple environmental boss Lisa Jackson and Elon Musk’s rocket chief, Gwynne Shotwell. Amazon's VP Alicia Boler Davis was also profiled for her quick response to safeguarding the company's workforce from COVID.
Tanya Sweeney
Oct. 3, 2020
The article discusses Gwyneth Paltrow's recent nude photo on Instagram and how it represents a shift in Hollywood's attitude towards women baring their bodies. While in the past, women were often pressured or shamed into posing nude, now it is seen as a power move and a way for women to control the narrative around their bodies. The article also explores the history of women posing nude in Hollywood, from the 1920s to the present day.
Glenn Chapman Agence France-Presse
Sept. 22, 2020
Apple CEO Tim Cook believes that the recent increase in natural disasters, such as fires, hurricanes, and floods, is strong evidence of climate change. He stated that these events should convince those who deny the science behind climate change. Cook also expressed his concern about the seriousness of climate change and its impact on the world. He declined to comment on whether he had convinced US President Donald Trump about climate change during their conversations. Additionally, Cook spoke about Apple's market dominance and the company's efforts to help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Glenn Chapman
Sept. 21, 2020
Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the recent increase in natural disasters such as fires, hurricanes, and floods is strong evidence of climate change. He believes that these events should convince those who deny the science behind climate change. Cook also expressed his concern about the seriousness of climate change and its consequences. He declined to comment on whether he had convinced President Trump about climate change during their conversations. Cook also spoke about Apple's market dominance and hoped that his testimony to a House of Representatives panel investigating market dominance would put to rest concerns about Apple's monopoly power.
Sept. 20, 2020
Apple CEO Tim Cook believes that the recent increase in natural disasters such as fires, hurricanes, and floods is strong evidence of climate change. He hopes that these events will convince those who deny the science behind climate change. Cook declined to comment on whether he had convinced President Trump of the reality of climate change during their conversations, but emphasized the importance of engagement even when disagreeing. Cook also addressed concerns about Apple's monopoly power and stated that he has no issue with the company being put under the microscope. He also discussed Apple's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, stating that 85% of employees are working remotely and it is unclear when they will be able to return to company headquarters.
Social Links For Jackie Salo
Sept. 16, 2020
Apple provided the FBI with iCloud information of a Black Lives Matter protester suspected of firebombing cop cars, leading to his arrest. The FBI obtained Verizon records to reveal the suspect's location and that he was using an iPhone 7. Apple provided screenshots from the suspect's photo library, including an image of an Instagram post promoting the protest and a screenshot from a site with a list of "ingredients" for a Molotov cocktail. Apple has previously complied with government requests for user information.
None
Sept. 7, 2020
Apple has published its first official human rights policy based on the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. This move puts Apple behind other leading tech companies, such as Google and Microsoft, who have already implemented similar policies.
Staff Writers
Sept. 6, 2020
Apple has adopted a new human rights policy in response to concerns raised by shareholders over the company's role in enabling China's cyber-surveillance and censorship. The policy commits to respecting freedom of information and expression as human rights, and campaigners and investors have welcomed the move. However, there are still questions about how the policy will be implemented and what oversight there will be. A new proposal for next year's shareholder meeting will require Apple to report to shareholders on the progress the company is making in implementing the policy.
Ed Hardy
Sept. 4, 2020
Apple has released a statement on their commitment to human rights, promising to make devices that respect freedom of speech while also following national laws. The company believes in the potential for technology to do good, but acknowledges that it needs to be infused with humanity. However, Apple will not violate the laws of countries where their products are sold, even if they go against human rights. This was exemplified by the removal of a live map application used by protestors in Hong Kong from the Chinese App Store at the request of Chinese officials.
Tim Hardwick
Sept. 4, 2020
Apple has released a human rights policy document that commits to "freedom of information and expression" and formalizes its commitment to "respecting the human rights of everyone whose lives we touch." The document acknowledges that the company is "required to comply with local laws," but states that it will follow the higher standard where national law and international human rights standards differ. This commitment comes after years of criticism from investors that Apple shows too much deference to Beijing and accedes to China's censorship demands. However, it is unclear how Apple will create proper oversight or measure progress, and how it will disclose the actions it might take in response to government demands that could limit free expression or access to information.