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The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is among the countries facing a humanitarian crisis. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) reported that it’s not only experiencing one of the world’s longest humanitarian crises but also one of the most complex. A most prevalent issue in the DRC is child labor. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, nearly 25,000 children work in cobalt mines. Despite the alarming rate of exploitation, a case in the U.S. regarding the matter has ended with the defendants not found at fault. Previously, in 2022, Apple, Alphabet Inc. (Google), Dell, Microsoft, and Tesla were said to have been “knowingly benefiting from and aiding and abetting the cruel and brutal use of young children in the Democratic Republic of Congo to mine cobalt,” according to ABC News. However, in March 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia found the five tech giants not liable due to only having an “ordinary buyer-seller transaction” with...
While working in the music industry, many artists make the smart move and don’t limit themselves to only excelling in music. Will.i.am is among such musicians who are the definition of “multi-hyphenate.” As an entertainer, record producer, tech entrepreneur, and founder, the East Los Angeles, CA, native has built an extensive resume for himself. “Investor” is yet another title under his growing list of endeavors. In an interview with the “Drink Champs” podcast, Will.i.am recounted two specific investments he’s made thus far. When asked by host N.O.R.E. whether he’d choose Steve Jobs or Elon Musk — like in a game of “This or That” — Will.i.am was prompted to share how both CEOs have made an impact on his life. “I invested in Tesla in 2006 before Elon took over [the company] — around the same time,” Will.i.am explained on the podcast. He continued, “And then, I was a part of Beats. And then, Apple bought Beats from us. So you’re talking about two companies that changed my life. So, I...
When your father is Steve Jobs, you may be a little analytical about the evolution of the iPhone. This is true for Eve Jobs, who appears to not be a fan of the iPhone 14 design. However, she isn’t the only one because Twitter users are not feeling the update that the renowned tech company unveiled during an event on Wednesday (Sept. 7). Eve Jobs, the daughter of Steve Jobs and Laurene Powell Jobs, reacts to today’s iPhone announcement on her Instagram. pic.twitter.com/bfn2VtbpsA — Yashar Ali 🐘 (@yashar) September 7, 2022
Time flies — not only when you’re having fun, but also for the students at the Detroit Apple Developer Academy. What seems like it was just a jumpstart for those interested in the future of tech has now become a life accomplishment as the Detroit Apple Developer Academy celebrates its first-ever graduates of the program. “Ten months ago, we opened the doors to the developer academy with a shared vision for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and building leaders, developers, and entrepreneurs who could make an impact on their local communities,” said MSU President Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D. in a statement shared with AfroTech. “Today, we celebrate nearly 100 graduates and their remarkable accomplishments that will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the city of Detroit and our state for many years to come.” As reported by AfroTech, the academy — located in Detroit, MI — is a first-of-its-kind program that falls within Apple’s Racial Equity and Justice Initiative. Offered...
Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference may have wrapped its first in-person event since the pandemic, but the features coming down the pipeline are still the talk of the town. During the week-long event, the leading technology company welcomed developers, students, and media for a first-of-its-kind event at Apple Park tucked away in Silicon Valley and offered first glances at the updated software set to unveil during the fall. The company had the chance to soak in the newly redesigned MacBook Air as well as an updated 13-inch MacBook Pro powered by the all-new M2 chip. What really had folks sitting at full attention in their seats is the forthcoming abilities of the iOS 16 software. Beyond that, Apple reiterated its commitment to being a home where technology is accessible to all through programs like the Apple Developer Academy and the WWDC Student Scholars. Buckle up for a full AfroTech rundown of the festivities.
Ever sent a risqué text that you wish you could take back? It looks like dreams might just come true in the next Apple iOS update. During its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), the leading technology company has announced a whirlwind of updates. And while AfroTech will have an inside scoop on all that is coming down the pipeline, we’ll get straight down to the one that has the world buzzing – the ability to unsend texts! Yup, you read that correctly – with the iOS 16 software, users will have the opportunity to not only recall messages that might have been sent on accident but will also have the ability to make edits to the text even after it’s been sent. “iOS 16 is a big release with updates that will change the way you experience iPhone,” said Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering during the keynote event. “We have reimagined how the Lock Screen looks and works with exciting new features that make it more personal and helpful,...
In 2014, Apple obtained the rights to Beats Music and Beats Electronics, founded by Hip-Hop royalty Dr. Dre. His excitement about the news, however, allegedly led to changes in the deal. Eager to celebrate his wins, the former N.W.A member created a video where he dubbed himself “the first billionaire in Hip-Hop.” Now, alleged details have surfaced claiming that the celebratory statement cost the mogul $200 million out of the deal.
To empower communities of color, Apple has committed $25 million to credit unions and financial institutions, which it will deploy through CNote, a women-led impact investment platform. CNote is thrilled to work with @Apple to expand access to capital in communities of color across the country! https://t.co/VfJS54uUG6 pic.twitter.com/WcvJlI5fF6 — CNote (@goCNote) May 5, 2022
iPhone users across the world have the convenience of using Siri. From asking for additional information about a random project to helping to identify who sings a song you may have overheard at brunch; the digital assistant is there to provide the answers. With Siri being a core feature on all Apple products, its functionality is paramount to all users. However, did anyone ever conceptualize human attributes to Siri? Is it a Black person? Does the digital assistant identify with a gender?
The Propel Center will brighten the future of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students. According to a press release, the HBCU technology and learning hub will partner with Apple and Southern Company to launch its Propel Student Impact Scholarship totaling $1 million in funding. The scholarship program will be geared toward HBCU students pursuing careers in entrepreneurship, arts & entertainment, agri-tech, social justice, and health. Students will not only have a chance to receive $10,000 in scholarships but they will also work directly with Propel Center’s corporate partners for additional learning engagement opportunities. The move will advance the company’s effort to diversify the employment pipelines. “We at Propel are committed to not only building the ultimate Black talent pipeline, but also to supporting and sustaining the ever-changing global and diverse workforce experience,” said Dr. Charles J. Gibbs, president of the Propel Center HBCU Consortium,...
Apple is remaining committed to bringing Black-led platforms to the main stage for the world to see. The tech giant recently pledged $30 million in new commitments to our communities including the masterminds behind Kickstroid, the app deemed “the smartest sneaker app ever.” Founders David Alston and Nicco Adams created the platform to serve as the ultimate tool for sneakerheads using machine learning to bring sneaker culture straight to users’ fingertips through its mobile iOS app. It is designed to be used by everyone. Whether you’re the ultimate sneakerhead or someone who is taking their first dip into sneaker culture. The easy-to-use tool helps anyone using the Kickstroid app to stay up to date with the latest sneaker news and of course the latest sneaker drops. As Apple continues to build on its original investment as a part of its Racial Equity and Justice Initiative (REJI), which supports students, innovators, and advocacy organizations that are leading the charge in creating...
Apple is kickstarting Computer Science Education Week by announcing a new program that will propel the future generation of STEM leaders. The Boys & Girls Clubs of America will now have an opportunity to teach students how to code through Apple’s latest collaboration. Now thousands of students across 12 U.S. cities will code with Apple’s Swift — an easy-to-use program designed to turn ideation into an application. “At Apple, we believe education is a force for equity, and that all learners should have the opportunity to explore and develop coding skills for their future,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, according to an official press release from Apple. “Together with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, we’ve already introduced thousands of students to innovative technology experiences, and we are thrilled to expand our partnership to bring coding with Swift to even more communities across the country.”