It’s not the most exciting unboxing of a new Apple product, but it fits with the times.
Apple Inc. has begun distributing masks that it has developed to its corporate and retail employees to limit the spread of Covid-19.
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 has stated that the Face Mask was developed by its Engineering and Industrial Design teams. The unit is made up of three layers to filter incoming and outgoing particles, and can be washed and reused up to five times.
Apple’s mask is fairly unique in that it features large coverings on the top and bottom for the wearer’s nose and chin, and also has adjustable strings to fit around a person’s ears.
Apple has stated that the company conducted careful research and testing to find the right materials to properly filter air flow while not disrupting the supply of medical personal protective equipment. Apple will begin shipping the Apple Face Mask to staff over the next two weeks.
Apple’s other model, the ClearMask, is the first FDA-cleared mask that is completely transparent. the Unit shows the full face, so people who are deaf or hard or hearing can better understand what the wearer is saying. The ClearMask was developed in conjunction 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.
Prior to designing its own masks, Apple provided employees with standard cloth masks. It also offers basic surgical masks to customers visiting its retail stores.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via Bloomberg and @markgurman