The upcoming change in the presidency has seen a number of companies make changes to long-standing policies, in fields spanning content moderation to DEI policies.

As we reported on Friday, however, Apple is holding firm on its own Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) policies, urging shareholders to reject a resolution to abandon them …

Apple’s DEI policies
Apple takes a holistic view of DEI, with just a few examples highlighted below.

Accessibility in product design
Our focus on inclusive design remains a priority — and we’re working to be even more inclusive. Jerremy Holland, Joshua Cohen of Apple University, and Denise Hui of AIML created the Inclusive Products Initiative – an internal knowledge-sharing website and network for anyone at Apple interested in inclusive product design. As part of this initiative, the Inclusion & Diversity team developed a workflow that lets product design teams connect with Diversity Network Associations (DNAs) to review their work.

Access to customer service
SignTime helps deaf and hard-of-hearing people communicate with AppleCare and Retail Customer Care in their web browsers using American Sign Language (ASL) in the United States and Canada, British Sign Language (BSL) in the United Kingdom, and French Sign Language (LSF) in France. In 2023, the service launched in Australia, Japan (where it is known as HandTime), Germany (where it is known as SignChat), Spain, Italy, and Korea. In addition to in-person interpreters, customers visiting Apple Store locations can use SignTime to access a sign language interpreter remotely without booking ahead of time.

Recruitment
For years, Apple employees all over the world have found community through our Diversity Network Associations (DNAs). These member-led groups are designed to inspire a culture of belonging that helps their colleagues feel supported, connected, and empowered […] Brian Rekasis of Global Recruiting Marketing has also seen the benefits of the website. “Our Careers at Apple site is one of the first ways candidates get a sense of Apple’s culture and values, and our DNAs are a huge part of that,” he says.

Supply chain
Our work to make Apple more inclusive extends to the businesses we work with. The Supplier Diversity Program partners with nearly every team within Apple and is dedicated to working with suppliers from historically underrepresented communities to create a more equitable world.

Education
One way we’ve expanded opportunities is by bringing the Apple Developer Academy to downtown Detroit — its first U.S. location — through a partnership with Michigan State University (MSU). The academy reaches nearly 750 participants from the Detroit metropolitan area every year, with both short-term and long-term programs that teach the fundamentals of coding, design, project management, marketing, and iOS app development. The Developer Academy is also committed to helping public high school seniors continue their education by providing them with stipends to attend the academy.

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