Dua Lipa challenges Tim Cook

Summary

In this interaction, Tim Cook addresses concerns regarding Apple's use of cobalt in the iPhone 15, specifically whether it has been mined using child labor. He assures that Apple is committed to sustainability, announcing that by 2025, all iPhone batteries will contain 100% recycled cobalt. He emphasizes that Apple already uses recycled cobalt in its latest models, thanks to its trade-in program. Cook also highlights the company's rigorous supply chain tracing practices to ensure ethical sourcing, aiming to eliminate the risk of human rights violations.

Takeaways

• 😀 Apple has committed to using 100% recycled cobalt in its batteries by 2025.
• 😀 The iPhone 15 already contains recycled cobalt, aligning with Apple's sustainability goals.
• 😀 Apple aims to reduce the need for mining by utilizing recycled materials in their products.
• 😀 Tim Cook emphasized Apple's trade-in program as a key component in the recycling process.
• 😀 Apple ensures traceability in its supply chain, monitoring labor practices all the way back to the mines.
• 😀 The company is committed to preventing child labor and human rights violations in its supply chain.
• 😀 Apple's focus on intense tracing ensures that cobalt is sourced responsibly, from the mine to the smelter.
• 😀 The use of recycled cobalt is part of Apple's broader sustainability initiatives.
• 😀 Tim Cook addressed criticisms regarding Apple's past failures in ensuring ethical labor practices.
• 😀 The company is moving towards completely eliminating the need for mined materials in future products.

Q & A

What is the main concern raised about iPhone 15 in the transcript?

The main concern is whether the cobalt used in the iPhone 15 is mined without the use of child labor, especially in regions with human rights issues like the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

How has Apple responded to concerns about child labor in its supply chain?

Apple has responded by committing to using 100% recycled cobalt in their batteries by 2025. The company also stated that the latest iPhone models already contain recycled cobalt, reducing the need for new mining.

What is Apple's plan regarding cobalt sourcing by 2025?

Apple plans to use 100% recycled cobalt in its batteries by 2025, aiming to eliminate the need for newly mined cobalt and reduce environmental and human rights concerns.

What role does Apple's trade-in program play in its cobalt recycling efforts?

Apple's trade-in program supports its recycling efforts by providing a source of used materials, which can then be processed and reused in new products, helping Apple meet its goal of using recycled cobalt.

What specific measures does Apple take to ensure that their cobalt supply chain is free of child labor?

Apple tracks its cobalt supply chain with an intense level of tracing, going all the way back to the mine and the smelter. This ensures that the labor used in the supply chain is free from child labor and human rights violations.

Has Apple been criticized in the past regarding its supply chain practices?

Yes, Apple has faced criticism in the past for not adequately ensuring that its suppliers were not involved in child labor or other human rights violations, particularly in the mining of cobalt.

What innovation is Apple focusing on to reduce environmental impact in its battery production?

Apple is focusing on the use of recycled materials, particularly cobalt, in its battery production to reduce the environmental impact and reliance on mining, which can have harmful social and ecological effects.

Why is recycling cobalt considered a significant step for Apple?

Recycling cobalt is seen as a significant step because it helps Apple reduce its environmental footprint, minimizes the need for mining, and addresses concerns about human rights violations in the supply chain, particularly in the DRC.

What impact does Apple's approach to cobalt recycling have on the global supply chain?

Apple's commitment to using recycled cobalt could have a positive impact on the global supply chain by encouraging other tech companies to adopt similar practices, reducing the demand for mined cobalt and promoting sustainable and ethical sourcing.

When did Apple announce its goal to use 100% recycled cobalt in its batteries?

Apple announced in 2023 that it would use 100% recycled cobalt in its batteries by 2025.