Computing giant Apple today for the first time released an unprecedented trove of information about its supply chain: the "Apple Supplier Responsibility Report." Some industry observers believe the move indicates Apple under Tim Cook may turn out to be a more transparent company than under previous CEO Steve Jobs. "I would like to totally eliminate every case of underage employment," said Cook. Here's a PDF of the report. Some labor rights groups say the release is a step forward, but not far forward enough. (via @joshgreenman)

  • jimmoffet

    I’m sure that this is completely coincidental to the most recent The American Life radio program, but it’s still damn fabulous.

    • lavardera

      I just listened to that too – worth having your eyes opened.

    • http://twitter.com/thepatrick el Patrick

      Given Apple has been releasing these around this time of the year every year since 2007, I’d say… maybe.

      In fact they even reference these reports in the show during the fact check section.

  • Cowicide

    But will this make Apple products more expensive?  Americans won’t stand for that travesty, will they?

  • rocmon

    so apple is committed to ‘reducing’ worker abuse… 

    • Marc45

      Long ago businesses figured out that slave labor was good for the bottom line.

  • jmidden

    I was listening to the This American Life podcast on this issue yesterday while driving down the highway. It was playing through my car speakers via my iPhone, which was also acting as my on-dash GPS via the TomTom app. I couldn’t help but think that I would gladly pay 50%- 100% more up-front for a device that is so incredibly powerful and versatile (not to mention I can talk instantaneously to someone on the other side of the world with it, and have access to the entire internet through it, too.)

    A device like this doesn’t seem like it should be as disposable as we treat them. I have an aging iPhone 3Gs that I plan on using for another year or so. If we all thought of these kinds of purchases as an investment in a quality item with great utility instead of as a quick fix for the latest and greatest gadget, low price wouldn’t be as much of a concern.

    • teapot

      and have access to the entire* internet through it
      *Not actually the entire internet (FTFY)

      If we all thought of these kinds of purchases as an investment in a quality item with great utility instead of as a quick fix for the latest and greatest gadget…
      Until the user can replace the damn battery, ijunk will never be anything but a quick fix. The whole marketing concept works because chemical batteries have a specific (and conveniently short) lifespan meaning that eventually you’re gonna end up talking to a “genius” who will tell you your battery is screwed and why you absolutely need the 4S because if you can’t talk to your phone then what the hell good is it?

      If this change is really because of Tim Cook’s influence as CEO then I can’t be too sad that Jobs kicked the bucket.

      • http://twitter.com/thepatrick el Patrick

        Apple has had replacement battery programs for a long time. If you take a device in where the only problem is the battery they will give you a replacement for less than $100. (They then take the one you had and refurbish it so they can do the same with a new battery for someone else.) If you had ever been to a genius bar you’d know that they do not do sales. Even in the case of there not being a support solution (e.g. the phone is now in two pieces) the genius staff do not try and sell you a new one.

        I see nothing that says this is a post-Jobs change. Being more public about it yes, but then they’ve been issuing these reports for 5 years now.

  • http://aqfl.net Ant

    Prove it, Apple!