After launching the new iPhone SE 2 last week, Apple has moved on to release something entirely different and pretty unexpected – instructions on how to make your own face masks.
Be warned, Apple isn’t exactly Blue Peter. You won’t be sticking together everyday household items with PVA glue and suddenly finding yourself well-equipped to protect yourself from the coronavirus. Instead, Apple lists some pretty sophisticated techniques in its instructions, including laser cutting.
So, if you’ve got any spare lasers hanging around at home… these could be the instructions for you. Thanks Apple!
Related: Here’s what tech billionaires are doing to fight coronavirus
Apple does add that the instructions should “only be used by an expert”. However, that rather begs the question – why would an ‘expert’ go to Apple for face mask manufacturing advice guidance?
The instructions go on to suggest that laser cutting, water jetting and die cutting are the ideal methods for cutting your mask screen. Again, these are techniques that only manufacturing professionals are likely to have access to.
Related: Following the launch of the iPhone SE 2, is there any point in buying a flagship phone?
While any effort to combat the spread of coronavirus is very much appreciated, this one from Apple has us a little confused.
Suggesting manufacturing methods that are basically only available to manufacturing professionals, as well as providing a simple design, seems an odd way for a giant tech firm to attempt to help out.
We’re interested to see how, and indeed whether, Apple’s mask designs are adopted and used by manufacturers and the general public. Earlier this month, Tim Cook said Apple’s suppliers were planning to produce and ship face masks to medical workers.
Related: The iPhone SE 2 price is much higher in the UK than the US − here’s how much more you’re paying
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
