Apple’s product development schedule remains on track with several new devices set to be released before the end of the year as employees get used to a new remote work environment.
Bloomberg reported on Tuesday that it is pretty much “business as usual” for Apple heading into Q2 2020 despite the fact that the coronavirus has caused major disruption to its supply chains and manufacturing capabilities.
Apple employees working at home are progressing well in their efforts to bring a range of new devices to the masses during the next 12 months.
This means that new versions of the HomePod and Apple TV could go on sale alongside the heavily rumoured budget iPhone and next-gen 5G smartphone, iMac, Apple Watch and entry-level iPads in Q3 and Q4.
While the vast majority of Apple’s workforce are completing tasks remotely, select employees are still venturing to the company’s offices in Silicon Valley to complete hands-on development.
For those working from home, Apple has reminded employees to “keep confidential work confidential” amid concerns that important information could leak ahead of product launches.
Apple has allowed some employees to work on early versions of devices due this year for around a month now, but it does keep a close eye on proceedings.
Apple’s vice presidents are personally overseeing a list of employees that have devices at home.
The recent leak of iOS 14 has also forced employees to seek approval from Apple’s executive team before they continue work on the next mobile operating system due in mid-2020.
Apple is also making use of third-party software such as Slack to coordinate efforts so that employees can communicate and collaborate remotely.
Bloomberg’s latest report follows on from its claim that the iPhone 12 is still on course to launch in the “normal fall window” in late September or October.