A new support document gives a detailed look at the face shields Apple designed for medical workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic. In true Apple design fashion, the shields are minimalist yet highly functional.
Apple says the shields are fully adjustable and can be assembled in just two minutes. That means workers can spend less time fussing with protective gear and more time helping COVID-19 patients.
Photo: Apple
CEO Tim Cook revealed last weekend that Apple is making 1 million of the face shields a week. Each unit ships with a thin protective film on the face shield and the forehead band. Either side of the shield can act as the front. To give wearers the option of more or less space between their face and the shield, Apple added multiple guide slots to the band.
Once workers set their preferred distance, they simply thread the silicone strap through the slots. With the strap in place, they can then adjust the tightness by pulling on the strap in the fourth slot and looping the end back through the first slot to keep it tight.
Apple says its face shields can be cleaned and reused. To sterilize a shield for reuse, Apple recommends cleaning it with either 70% ethanol, 70% isopropyl alcohol, 6% bleach or 3% hydrogen peroxide.
The company advises workers to avoid exposing the headgear to high heat. (Apple also warns not to drop the face shields to prevent scratches.)
Each box ships with 100 face shields that pack down flat, and comes with a print out of the instructions. Apple also published a video showing how to assemble and use the shield.
