Apple announced its very own custom face mask for their corporate and retail employees to help stem the spread of Covid-19 virus. The Apple Face Mask was created by the tech giant’s Engineering and Industrial Design teams, the same teams behind iPhone and iPad. The mask is said to have a unique look with large coverings for the wearer’s nose and chin and comes with adjustable strings. It is also made up of three layers to filter incoming and outgoing particles and can be washed and reused up to five times. Apple is also distributing Clear Mask, the first FDA approved transparent surgical mask, to its employees so that hearing impaired customers can understand what the wearer is saying. The masks will be shipped out to their employees over the next two weeks.
Bloomberg: Apple said it conducted careful research and testing to find the right materials to filter the air properly while not disrupting the supply of medical personal protective equipment
Apple disclosed to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman that the Apple Face Mask is the first created in-house by the Cupertino, California-technology giant for its staff. The other, called ClearMask, was sourced elsewhere. Apple previously made a different face shield for medical workers and distributed millions of other masks across the health-care sector.
The company, which confirmed the news, said it conducted careful research and testing to find the right materials to filter the air properly while not disrupting the supply of medical personal protective equipment.
The other model, the ClearMask, is the first FDA-cleared surgical mask that is completely transparent, Apple told employees.
Apple worked with Washington-based Gallaudet University, which specializes in educating deaf and hard-of-hearing students, to choose which clear mask to use. The company also tested it with employees in three Apple stores. Apple is also exploring its own transparent mask options.
Before designing its own masks, Apple provided employees with standard cloth masks. It also offers basic surgical masks to customers visiting its retail stores.
