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WhatsApp Messenger review: Text for free, with some useful extras

WhatsApp Messenger review: Text for free, with some useful extras

Editors' note, February 19, 2014: This review has been updated with information from Facebook's announcement that it acquired WhatsApp.

WhatsApp Messenger (iPhone|Android) lets you chat for free with anyone else who owns the app and offers a few extra useful features to make text messaging more fun. With this chat app installed on your smartphone, you'll save a little money on text charges through your carrier and across platforms. The only catch is that you'll have to persuade your most frequent texting buddies to download the app, too, but once they see WhatsApp's advantages, they'll probably give it a try.

WhatsApp Messenger was recently acquired by Facebook, and while that doesn't mean a big change to the app in the near future, it makes me wonder how Facebook plans to use it. Whatsapp is already incredibly popular around the world, so any news about changes to the app will be watched closely. Should we expect WhatsApp to continue in its current form alongside Facebook's own separate messaging app or will Facebook's offering suddenly have the same features, as Whatsapp rides off into the sunset? It's hard to know at this time, but check back here for more information and an updated review when any new Facebook chat app becomes available.

Natural navigation

Like iMessage for iOS, WhatsApp Messenger shows your chats in little text bubbles, gives you a time stamp for messages, notifies you when a text has been viewed by your recipient, and lets you include photos, audio notes, and videos within your conversations. But with WhatsApp Messenger you can also change your background and send your GPS location to an interactive map. You can use premade away notes such as "I'm busy" or "Available" or even "My battery is about to die," and you can block specific contacts from within the app. You also can easily send a friend's contact information to another user without leaving the app. So, while the app is not leaps and bounds ahead of other messaging apps, there are some nice extra features here.

Great for conversations among multiple users

One thing WhatsApp does exceptionally well is group messages. You can use the Broadcast Message feature to bring up your entire list of contacts, then click radio buttons to quickly add contacts for a message blast. There's also a New Group feature, which lets you add contacts for a group message much as you would in iMessage or another chat app. But you can also look back over the group messages and list just the locations or just the media added to the group chat by all members. These are not amazing or groundbreaking features, but they are a bit more than what you can get with the standard messaging features on most phones.

So the real advantage of WhatsApp Messenger is the money you save when communicating with Android (if you use iMessage) or while communicating internationally. In other words, with WhatsApp Messenger, and a little cooperation from your most-texted friends and family, you could easily get the lowest-cost texting plan with your carrier and save some money every month on your smartphone bill. It shouldn't be that hard of a sell either, since your friends will save money on their phone bills as well.

A note about pricing

WhatsApp Messenger is free to download for iOS and Android users. In the past, the app cost 99 cents, but the developers moved to a newer pricing model in the middle of 2013. Now, the app is free initially, but after a year of use, you'll need to pay a 99-cent subscription fee for another year. This is the first time I've seen such a pricing scheme, but it's hard to argue with only $1 per year for a solid messaging app that works cross-platform.

Overall, WhatsApp Messenger is not much different from the text-messaging services you get on your smartphone, offering a few neat extras that make it a little more fun and useful. At this point in time, it's hard to say what will happen now that Facebook is taking control. Until we find out, if you do a lot of texting, this app is still a must-have, giving you unlimited free texts with all your friends, whether iOS- or Android-using, without having to worry about extra charges, even internationally.

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2023 Porsche Taycan Range, Software Upgrade Coming to All Model Years via Update

2023 Porsche Taycan Range, Software Upgrade Coming to All Model Years via Update

Porsche on Tuesday announced all of the hardware tweaks and software updates coming to its Taycan electric performance sedans and sport wagons for the 2023 model year. The new software promises faster charging, infotainment improvements and even a modest range bump. However, owners who got on the Taycan train early shouldn't feel left out, because the bigger news here is that these new software revisions are backwards compatible with previous model year variants via a dealer-installed update.

2023 Taycan hardware updates

The updates on the hardware side are fairly minimal, mostly applying to optional accessories and equipment. All 2023 Taycan models outfitted with the panoramic glass roof now feature the automaker's Variable Light Control electrochromatic shade and will also feature preparation to accommodate Porsche's Roof Transport System of rails, crossbars and cargo boxes. Owners can also have their EV delivered with a preinstalled wiring harness, ready for installation of the Porsche Dashcam. The front and rear camera system is available through Porsche's Tequipment range of official dealer-sourced accessories.

Meanwhile, the 2023 Taycan's 19-inch single-color Aero wheel will be replaced with a new polished and painted Taycan S Aero 19-inch wheel design.

The Taycan's thermal management and powertrain control system updates promise more range and more consistent charging speeds.

Porsche

Powertrain and thermal management improvements

New powertrain management software allows for more liberal disengagement of the front motor in the Taycan's Normal and Range drive modes, which helps to reduce parasitic drag while cruising. Porsche tells us that it expects this tweak to contribute to an approximately 50-kilometer boost (about 31 miles) to the European WLTP range estimate for dual-motor configurations. The automaker does not yet have an estimate as to how this will translate to our EPA numbers here in the US.

The updated Taycan will also be able to precondition its battery pack more quickly and to a higher temperature in preparation for a charging session. This will allow for an optimized charging curve when plugging in with the battery at a high state of charge and, hopefully, more consistently delivering the Taycan's claim of a 5% to 80% DC fast charge in under 23 minutes.

Quality of life updates include retaining the user-selected Recuperation setting switching between drive modes and energy flow information added to the all-wheel drive indicator in the digital instrument cluster.

The PCM infotainment suite gets a visual overhaul with more colorful graphics and a revised HUD.

PCM and Porsche Connect features

Speaking of the dashboard, Porsche's Porsche Communication Management infotainment system is getting a visual overhaul with new colorful tiles on the home screen, tweaks all over the user interface and an updated design for the head-up display.

Taycan drivers will also now be able to filter based on power output when searching for a charging station using the onboard navigation. This should make it easier to find fast 270-kilowatt stations while avoiding being stuck at relatively slow, but more common 50-kW plugs.

Android phone users can now leave their USB cable at home thanks to PCM's new wireless Android Auto connectivity. (The infotainment already supported wireless Apple CarPlay and continues to support wired versions of both technologies as well.) There's also new Spotify integration for people who'd rather use the Taycan's onboard data connection for streaming.

2023 Taycans (and older models that have received the upgrade) will be over-the-air updatable, making future fixes and updates more seamless.

Porsche

Backwards compatible, over-the-air updates

You can't download new wheels, but Porsche is making the 2023 PCM revisions and powertrain software updates available to 2020, 2021 and 2022 model year Taycan variants. Owners will receive a notification -- likely via mail -- from Porsche when the software is available and will be able to return to their dealership or service center to receive the update.

Expect the upgrade to take up to a day, which seems like a long time, but that accounts for the oldest 2020 model year models getting a bigger, more comprehensive update than, say, a newer 2022 Taycan. Plus, we're talking about software controlling the core operation of the $88,150 Taycan's powertrain, so maybe it's better to take their time and get it right.

With the new software in place, all model years will become capable of over-the-air updates -- thanks to optimizations to the software's interface with the car's various control units -- which should make future service visits for new features and fixes a far less common occurrence.

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Forget the Galaxy S22 and get an S21: Main differences between S21, Plus and Ultra

Forget the Galaxy S22 and get an S21: Main differences between S21, Plus and Ultra

Samsung's current flagship lineup, the Galaxy S21, has been out for more than six months now. Since the unveiling of the Galaxy S21, S21 Plus and S21 Ultra, Samsung has also released two new foldable devices, the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3, and rumor has it the phone giant is also gearing up for the Galaxy S22 and the Galaxy S21 FE, a sequel to last year's popular lower-priced handset, the Galaxy S20 FE. Phew. With all these buzzy new phones being released, your best bet might actually be to buy one of Samsung's older models, especially if there are d eals to be had. (The Galaxy S20 is also still worthy of consideration.) And if you're interested in the Galaxy S21, chances are you're very confused about the main differences between the three versions.

Read more: Galaxy S22 vs. Galaxy S21, based on rumors

As the names suggest, each model in the Galaxy S21 lineup is slightly upgraded (and slightly pricier) than the one before it, resulting in a spectrum of specs to meet just about any Android user's needs. But how do you decide whether you're a baseline kind of person or if you should go directly to the top of the line? Sure, your budget can make the decision for you, but price doesn't tell the whole story and, depending on your needs, a higher-priced phone might also be the best value.

Samsung announced the Galaxy S21, S21 Plus and S21 Ultra in January.

Sarah Tew/CNET

The most obvious differences among Samsung's Galaxy S21 line, besides the price, are screen size, battery capacity and camera capabilities. Going up the line, each phone increases in size. If you're small-handed, you might hate the heft of the Ultra. But if you're going to be watching a lot of videos, bigger is probably better. 

• Galaxy S21: 6.2 inches
• Galaxy S21 Plus: 6.7 inches 
• Galaxy S21 Ultra: 6.8 inches 

Battery capacity also increases as you move up the line, though we don't think you'll have any trouble getting through the day on a charge even with the baseline S21 phone. 

• Galaxy S21: 4,000 mAh
• Galaxy S21 Plus: 4,800 mAh
• Galaxy S21 Ultra: 5,000 mAh

Read more:  How the new Galaxy A series compares to Samsung's other phones: S21 and S20 FE

Camera geeks are probably going to want to upgrade to the S21 Ultra. You can tell just by looking at the three phones that the S21 Ultra has some extra camera tricks up its sleeve, evidenced by its extra-large quadruple camera module, which also houses its flash. The S21 Ultra gets Space Zoom, an extra telephoto camera and a 108-megapixel wide-angle lens -- we're particularly impressed with S21 Ultra's zoom.

A few other things to consider: You want a pretty pink phone? Then you'll have to get the S21. Want S Pen support? Only the S21 Ultra has that (and the new Galaxy Z Fold 3). Ditto for storage greater than 256GB: Only the Ultra goes up to 512GB (that model gives you more RAM too), and none of the Galaxy S21 phones accommodates expandable storage. The S21 Plus and Ultra both feature a Gorilla Glass Victus backing, which lends durability that the plastic-backed S21 won't have.

Check out the chart below for all of the Galaxy S21 specs compared, and read our comparison of the Galaxy S21 vs. iPhone 12 and Galaxy S21 vs. S20 vs. S20 FE vs. Note 20. 

Samsung Galaxy S21 vs. S21 Plus vs. S21 Ultra

	Galaxy S21	Galaxy S21 Plus	Galaxy S21 Ultra
Display size, resolution	6.2-inch Flat FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display (2,400x1,080 pixels),	6.7-inch Flat FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (2,400x1,080 pixels)	6.8-inch Edge WQHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X (3,200x1,440 pixels)
Pixel density	421 ppi	394 ppi	515 ppi
Dimensions (Inches)	2.80x5.97x0.31 in	2.97x6.35x0.30 in	2.97x6.50x0.35 in
Dimensions (Millimeters)	71.2x151.7x7.9 mm	75.6x161.5x7.8 mm	75.6x165.1x8.9 mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams)	6.03 oz; 171g	7.12 oz; 202g	8.07 oz; 229g
Mobile software	Android 11	Android 11	Android 11
Camera	64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (wide-angle), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)	64-megapixel (telephoto), 12-megapixel (wide-angle), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)	108-megapixel (wide-angle), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (telephoto), 10-megapixel (telephoto)
Front-facing camera	10-megapixel	10-megapixel	40-megapixel
Video capture	8K	8K	8K
Processor	Snapdragon 888 or 64-bit octa-core processor 2.8GHz (max 2.4GHz+1.8GHz)	Snapdragon 888 or 64-bit octa-core processor 2.8GHz (max 2.4GHz+1.8GHz)	Snapdragon 888 or 64-bit octa-core processor (max 2.4GHz+1.8GHz)
Storage	128GB/256GB	128GB/256GB	128GB/256GB, 512GB
RAM	8GB	8GB	12GB, 16GB
Expandable storage	No	No	No
Battery	4,000 mAh	4,800 mAh	5,000 mAh
Fingerprint sensor	In-screen	In-screen	In-screen
Headphone jack	No	No	No
Special features	IP68 rating, 5G-enabled, 30x Space Zoom, 10W wireless charging,	IP68 rating, 5G-enabled, 30x Space Zoom, 10W wireless charging,	IP68 rating, 5G-enabled, 100x Space Zoom, 10W wireless charging, 10x optical zoom; S Pen support
Price off-contract (USD)	$800 (128GB)	$1,000 (128 GB)	$1,200 (128 GB)
Price (GBP)	£769	£949	£1,149
Price (AUD)	AU$1,249	AU$1,549	AU$1,849

Drew Evans/CNET

The phone has a clean look thanks to the two-tone approach, and it has Full HD resolution, which CNET's Patrick Holland describes as "a step down from the Quad HD quality on the S20" in his review. The adjustable screen refresh rate, which is good for games and good for your battery life when it's not in use, is also a plus.

Sarah Tew/CNET

The S21 Ultra is a significant hardware and software upgrade over the S20 Ultra. That's why the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra received the Editors' Choice Award from CNET. The addition of S-Pen support (it's the first Galaxy S phone to do so) will also get be of some use for Galaxy Note owners searching for a new phone.

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'Morbius' Isn't Streaming Now, but It Will Be on Netflix (Eventually)

'Morbius' Isn't Streaming Now, but It Will Be on Netflix (Eventually)

Morbius, a spinoff from the Spider-Man universe of live-action films, is hitting theaters Friday. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic, with its profound disruptions to new movies, ushered an unprecedented wave of theatrical films to streaming services at the same time they hit cinemas. HBO Max, in particular, became synonymous with the practice last year, but Disney Plus, Paramount Plus, Peacock and Netflix all have track records with same-day releases, too. 

Confusion around this same-day streaming practice has led to some misguided hope among moviegoers when any new movie hits theaters. Without new standards for when movies move to streaming, lots of people get confused whenever a film hits the big screen whether it'll be streaming too.

But Morbius is being released exclusively in theaters Friday, without a subscription streaming option. 

Where will Morbius stream? 

Morbius is going to stream first on Netflix. The movie is distributed by Sony, which struck a deal with Netflix last year for all its 2022 theatrical releases to stream on Netflix before they're available on any other service or TV network.  

Will it be 'free' to stream? 

Since Netflix requires a paid subscription, nothing is available on Netflix free. But Netflix never charges any additional fees to watch anything in its library, and Morbius will be part of the standard catalog like everything else. 

When is Morbius' release date for streaming?

Neither Netflix nor Sony has confirmed a streaming release date for Morbius yet. But Netflix's deal with Sony is what's known as a "pay-one window." Traditionally, movies hit this stage of their release cycle roughly six to nine months after theatrical release. 

So if Sony and Netflix stick with this kind of timeline for Morbius, the movie would start streaming on Netflix sometime between October and the end of this year. 

For what it's worth, Sony's last movie similar to Morbius -- Spider-Man: No Way Home -- is supposed to start streaming within six months, according to Hollywood trade publication Deadline. But whether Morbius is going to follow that timeline too is complicated (see below).  

Will Morbius and Spider-Man: No Way Home both be on Netflix?

No, the latest Spider-Man movie, No Way Home, isn't going to be on Netflix at all. 

Both movies are distributed by Sony, and they exist in the same narrative universe. But Netflix's deal to stream these movies starts with films theatrically released in 2022 and after. No Way Home was released in late 2021, and Sony has an agreement in place for its 2021 movies to go to the premium cable network Starz first, not Netflix. 

On Starz, No Way Home will be available to watch on its traditional channels as well as on its streaming app. If it is released to stream within the six months that Deadline reported, No Way Home would arrive on Starz before early August. 

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750-hp BMW Concept XM previews M-only plug-in-hybrid SUV coming in 2022

750-hp BMW Concept XM previews M-only plug-in-hybrid SUV coming in 2022

There have been a lot of controversial BMW designs in the past couple decades. The brand essentially invented the crossover coupe genre with the X6, the electrified i3 and i8 looked like sci-fi props and of course there are the gigantic grilles on recent models like the 4 Series and M3. But on Monday at Art Basel in Miami, BMW revealed what will quite possibly be its most controversial car ever: the Concept XM.

This massive SUV previews a production model coming next year that will be only the second stand-alone M-only car in BMW's history, with the first being the M1 supercar that debuted in 1978. It's essentially a "coupe" version of the X7, and the XM will only be offered with a plug-in-hybrid powertrain, a first for the M brand. While some people speculated this model might be called X8, BMW says XM is the final name that the production car will wear -- apparently BMW has an informal agreement with Citroën that allows both brands to use the XM name, as long as the applications are different.

The XM is basically a "coupe" version of the X7.

BMW

Before I get into the absolutely wild styling let's talk about the powertrain. The Concept XM uses the same twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine that's in other M models like the M5 and X5 M, but it's fitted with a high-powered electric motor and a battery pack of unknown size. Total output is 750 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque, 133 hp and 184 lb-ft more than the X6 M Competition, and BMW is aiming for an EV range of 30 miles on the EPA cycle. These aren't just concept numbers, either -- this is exactly the powertrain the production XM will use, and it won't be offered with a nonhybrid setup.

As amazing as the powertrain sounds, what everyone will really be talking about is the XM's styling. The XM is based on the huge three-row X7, but it has a lower roofline similar to that of the Lamborghini Urus and only has two rows of seats. I wouldn't necessarily call it a coupe as the rear hatch is still fairly upright, but it definitely has a sportier and sleeker profile and more interesting proportions. To give a bit of a sense of scale the wheels are 23 inches, and even then they look a little small from certain angles. There's not a lot of tumblehome to the greenhouse, but the flared fenders make the XM look lower and wider.

The interior looks ready for production.

BMW

The upper half of the Concept XM is painted in a matte light gold while the lower half is Space Grey, and the sides of the car have a black band that flows into the window trim and helps separate the colors. The black band also houses the door handles, and there's a ton of carbon-fiber trim covering elements like the lower bumpers and fender flares. The side surfacing is all pretty wild and the wheel arches are Countach-esque in shape, while the self-leveling wheel center caps ditch the traditional roundel for BMW written out in 3D block letters in front of a minimal version of BMW's propellor logo.

The XM debuts BMW's new face that will feature on most of its upcoming models, and it reminds me of an angry dinosaur in a good way. The headlights are now split into two modules, with superslim LED running lights high up on the front end and the main headlights hidden behind tinted glass lower down in the bumper. It's a pretty cool look that's especially striking when the main lights are off, and the front license plate is also enclosed behind the glass. The XM's kidney grilles are huge, but I think they actually work. The outline of the kidneys is illuminated and there are horizontal slats like on the M3 and M4, and the XM also has a dual power dome-style hood.

The rear glass is shaped like the M1's rear end.

BMW

Move around to the XM's rear end and things really get wild. Probably its most controversial design element will be the flush rear glass, which is shaped like the M1's rear end and features a pair of BMW logos etched into the glass itself at each corner, echoing the M1's roundel placement. The shape of the glass also dictates the surfacing on the roof, The thin taillights extend far onto the rear quarter panels and are highly visible from the side view, and the XM badge on the hatch aligns with the angle of the lights. There's a pair of vertically stacked hexagonal exhaust tips at each side of the diffuser, and the production XM will feature the same design.

If you love clashing patterns and textiles you'll love the Concept XM's interior. Nearly every surface in the front half of the cabin is covered in brown leather that looks distressed and vintage, while the sculpted rear bench seat is a combination of leather and quilted velvet in a teal color called Petrol. The dashboard and center console features textured carbon-fiber trim with copper thread woven into it, and there are a lot of aluminum accents. I really like the cockpit's air vents that are integrated into the doors, and the center vents are shaped like the M brand's slash logo and contain climate controls inside the center unit.

The teal velvet rear seat won't make it, though.

BMW

As with recent BMW models like the i4 and iX, the XM features a curved display atop the dash that includes the digital gauge cluster and central touchscreen. The infotainment system has new M-specific designs and features that will come to other production models, and, seats aside, the design of the cabin in general isn't too far-fetched. One of the coolest features is the headliner: Instead of having a large panoramic glass roof, the Concept XM has a geometric 3D headliner with integrated ambient lighting.

Obviously there's a lot of concept car frippery, but what you see here is very close to what the production XM will look like -- think around 90% there. Don't expect the two-tone paint to remain, and some of the surfacing and detailing will be a little toned down, but otherwise pretty much every design element should make it to production -- including the awesome rear glass. And (again, seats aside) the interior design should be nearly identical to the concept, though BMW sadly confirmed the teal velvet won't be available for purchase.

Production of the XM will commence in late 2022 at BMW's factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where all other BMW SUVs save for the X1 and X2 are built. The brand won't say anything about price, but with the X7 M50i starting at $100,795 and the X6 M Competition opening at $119,695, expect the XM to carry a base price of close to $200,000.

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Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 Will End Up in Only a Few US Phones Right Away

Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 Will End Up in Only a Few US Phones Right Away

What's happening

Qualcomm unveils two new chips: the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 and the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1.

Why it matters

Qualcomm's chips are powerful, but as more phone makers build their own chips, these might end up in fewer handsets -- at least ones released in the US.

What's next

Qualcomm has its work cut out for it to power more top-end phones in the US, but plenty of Chinese phone makers will use the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 and 7 Gen 1 in their gaming-focused devices.

Qualcomm on Friday announced a new chip that promises faster mobile computing with much better power efficiency. But it'll only come to the US in Motorola and OnePlus phones expected later this year.

As you can probably guess, Qualcomm's Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 is a slight upgrade on the Series 8 Gen 1 that debuted earlier this year. For that added "plus," Qualcomm said its new silicon has 10% faster CPU and GPU speeds than the earlier model and has 30% better power efficiency. As a result, phones should get speedier while boasting better battery life. But one drawback is it will stick with the X65 5G modem, which Qualcomm started using earlier this year, and so will not have the wider-range 5G connectivity in the upcoming X70 5G modem unveiled at Mobile World Congress in February.  

The Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 reveal isn't a surprise -- in fact, it's right on schedule for when Qualcomm typically announces a midyear upgrade for its mobile device chips that power most of the world's phones and tablets. But it comes at a time when Qualcomm is facing increased competition. Apple's been making its own chips for iPhones and iPads for over a decade. Microsoft and Google, meanwhile, said they too would follow Apple's lead, designing specialized chips for some of their devices. As a result, while that extra "plus" may sound enticing, it'll only arrive in a few American's pockets.

"Outside the US, the situation is radically different, with nearly a dozen Chinese brands jockeying for position alongside Apple and Samsung," said Avi Greengart, of analyst firm Techsponential. "With Huawei's smartphone business devastated by U.S. sanctions, other Chinese brands are trying to fill the gap it left at the high end of the market."

Qualcomm didn't announce any specific phones getting the 8 Plus Gen 1, which is also typical, instead assembling an extensive list of phone makers who intend to use it in their devices. But among them, only Motorola and OnePlus release phones in the US. The others, including Asus ROG, Black Shark, Honor, Oppo, Xiaomi, Vivo and ZTE, typically focus their releases in Asia and Europe. Devices using the Snapdragon 8 Plus Gen 1 will start coming out in the third quarter of 2022.

Qualcomm's also focusing on the Alongside its top-tier silicon, Qualcomm also introduced the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1, officially relaunching its 700-series chipsets under its new naming scheme. The 7 Gen 1 continues the tradition of trickling premium silicon features down to a more affordable chipset, with better AI camera features for facial recognition and support for up to 200MP cameras, up from 190MP in the last 700-series chipset. 

The Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 will primarily power fast, gaming-focused phones released outside the US that will start releasing in the second quarter of 2022 -- meaning the first could arrive in the coming weeks. While Qualcomm similarly didn't list specific devices, they did say brands like Honor, Oppo and Xiaomi would release phones with the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1.

"Qualcomm's positioning of the Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 as a gaming platform also makes sense in the global context," Greengart said. "In the U.S., the 7-series has mostly been used to bring 5G to upper-mid-tier price points. In some Asian markets, mobile gaming is becoming a purchase driver." 

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Apple Employees Criticize Return-to-Work Plan, Call for More Flexibility

Apple Employees Criticize Return-to-Work Plan, Call for More Flexibility

A group of Apple employees is demanding more flexibility from the tech giant ahead of its planned return to office work later this month. In an open letter, the group, calling itself Apple Together, said the company's plan for many employees to be in the office three fixed days a week offers "almost no flexibility at all" and could be damaging to diversity. 

"The Hybrid Working Pilot is not an increase in flexibility, it is a smokescreen and often a step back in flexibility for many of our teams," reads the letter, which was posted Friday and earlier reported by CNN. "We are not asking for everyone to be forced to work from home. We are asking to decide for ourselves, together with our teams and direct manager, what kind of arrangement works best for each one of us, be that in an office, work from home, or a hybrid approach."

Like other tech companies, Apple delayed its return-to-office plans several times amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The iPhone maker now expects many employees to work in office at least three days a week by May 23, reported Bloomberg, though some teams may be required to be in the office more often. 

Apple has already faced public pushback from some employees who've asked it to consider more-flexible work options, though the company's leadership has stressed that it believes in-person collaboration is essential. 

About 200 employees are engaging in the Apple Together group, according to CNN, a small portion of the company's US workforce. The group says Apple has 100,000 direct employees in the US, including retail workers. 

The Apple Together group also alleged that the hybrid plan could change the makeup of Apple's workforce, saying it will make the company "younger, whiter, more male-dominated," by squeezing out those who can't relocate for a position or afford to pay for family care. In the letter, the group also said the hybrid plan doesn't reflect the message Apple sends to customers that its products are great for remote work. 

"We tell all of our customers how great our products are for remote work," reads the letter, "yet, we ourselves, cannot use them to work remotely? How can we expect our customers to take that seriously?" 

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