Apple Inc. has created masks that the firm is beginning to distribute to corporate and retail workers to reduce COVID-19 infection.
The Apple Face Mask is the first Cupertino, California-technology giant created in-house for its employees.
The other one, called ClearMask, was originated elsewhere. Apple previously made a different face shield for medical workers and distributed millions of other masks across the health-care sector.
Apple told staff that the Face Mask was developed by the Engineering and Industrial Design teams, the same groups that work on devices such as the iPhone and iPad. It is made up of three layers to filter incoming and outgoing particles. It can be washed and reused as many as five times, the company told employees.
In classic Apple theme, the mask looks distinctive for the wearer’s nose and ears, with wide coverings at the top and bottom. It also has adjustable strings that fit around the ears of a person.
The company, which confirmed the news, said it was carrying out careful research and testing to find the right materials to better philter the air, while not disrupting the supply of personal medical protective equipment. Apple will start sending the Apple Face Mask to staff over the next two weeks.
The other model, the ClearMask, is the first FDA-cleared surgical mask that is completely transparent, Apple told employees. It shows the full face so people who are deaf or hard of hearing can better understand what the wearer is saying.
Apple has partnered with Washington-based Gallaudet University, which specializes in educating students
who are deaf and hard-of-hearing, to choose the clear mask to use. The company has also checked it in three Apple stores with its staff. Apple is also considering its own solutions for the transparent mask.
