The highly anticipated launch of the iPhone 16 was somewhat marred by protests outside several Apple Stores around the world on Friday. Protesters, many of them former Apple employees, accused the Cupertino company of “profiting from genocide” by sourcing cobalt from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
They are also calling on Apple to break its silence on the ongoing war in Gaza. Rallies have taken place in a dozen countries, from Tokyo to New York to Brussels and Cape Town.
Apple singled out for sourcing ‘blood minerals’
At the heart of the criticism is Apple’s use of cobalt from Congolese mines, known for their dangerous working conditions, low wages, frequent use of child labor and human rights violations.
While Apple says it does not source from mines where such practices occur, acknowledging “challenges” in tracing its mineral supply chains, the Congolese government recently questioned the company about potential “blood minerals” in its supply chain.
A movement initiated by former Apple Store employees
The protests were organized primarily by Apples Against Apartheid, a group of about 15 current and former Apple employees, most of whom worked at Apple Stores. They also denounce an “anti-Palestinian bias” at Apple.
In March, the collective published an open letter signed by nearly 300 current and former Apple workers, alleging that sales and office employees were being disciplined or even “wrongfully fired” for showing support for the Palestinian people.
While these actions haven’t stopped fans from lining up to buy the new iPhone 16 as soon as it’s released, they once again highlight the ethical challenges Apple faces in its supply chain. A major challenge for the brand, which highlights its values and social responsibility.
