Apple previously distributed 20 million face shields to front line medical workers during the earlier days of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the company has also been working on designing its own face mask. A new report indicates that the development of the mask is complete, and the company will start distributing them to employees.
The report by Bloomberg states that the mask looks notably different compared to the usual surgical mask. For one, it covers a considerably larger area at the top and bottom, for the wearer’s nose and chin. The strings are also adjustable to fit the individual wearer. They can also be washed and reused up to five times. Despite the differences, the Apple Face Mask still consists of three layers to filter incoming and outgoing particles.
Interestingly, the report states that the Apple Face Mask was designed by the company’s Engineering and Industrial Design teams. These are the same teams that work on new iPhone and iPad designs.
The very same team may be involved in another mask project. Bloomberg’s report also states that Apple is also looking to make its own transparent masks. It is currently sourcing transparent masks from ClearMask for its retail workers, for when they have to deal with customers with hearing challenges.
Since these custom masks are meant for the company’s own employees, it remains to be seen if it has any plans on selling them.
