Apple to Donate Towards Hurricane Milton Relief Efforts

[MacRumors]

In a social media post today, Apple CEO Tim Cook said that Apple will be making a donation of an undisclosed amount to Hurricane Milton relief efforts.

"Our hearts go out to all of those impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Milton," said Cook. "To everyone still in harm's way, please stay safe. Apple will be making a donation to help with relief efforts on the ground."

Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida late Wednesday. The storm, and many tornadoes that resulted from it, caused catastrophic damage, flooding, and loss of life across many areas of Florida.

Apple has donated to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief efforts in the past.

Article Link: Apple to Donate Towards Hurricane Milton Relief Efforts

 

[Jumpthesnark]

The destruction is terrible. Those folks need all the help they can get.

I have family there and was checking before the storm hit whether they had iPhones newer than 14 (so they could send texts via satellite). Sadly the newest phones they have are 13s. Fortunately everyone is okay but it made me think I might want to upgrade mom's phone, for next time.

 

[TigerNike23]

I live in SWFL. Yesterday was pretty wild. Not like Sarasota or Tampa, but we had tornadoes then wind… yet when the storm came onshore and the winds shifted… holy cow. The back end of the storm was much worse for us. We lost power, but we’re ok.

Everyone up the coast is going to need lots of help. Donate what you can, if you can.

 

[hoodafoo]

Why would the keep the amount a secret?

 

[F23]

Why would the keep the amount a secret?

backlash

 

[Jumpthesnark]

Why would the keep the amount a secret?

Maybe the board hasn't decided on the amount yet? Maybe the company is also matching donations from employees, so the final amount isn't known yet? Maybe they're still coordinating with relief agencies so they haven't yet written a check for a disaster that is still occurring?

 

[lkrupp]

Why would the keep the amount a secret?

Because any announced amount, no matter how large, would be criticized as not near enough by the usual suspects. “Apple is a $3T company and they should have donated at least $1T. Fire Tim Cook. Apple is a cheapskate."

 

[Laird Knox]

Why would the keep the amount a secret?

It hasn't even been 24 hours since it hit. (In addition to all the other replies above.)

 

[trajen]

What about Helene??

 

[hoodafoo]

backlash

Maybe the board hasn't decided on the amount yet? Maybe the company is also matching donations from employees, so the final amount isn't known yet? Maybe they're still coordinating with relief agencies so they haven't yet written a check for a disaster that is still occurring?

Because any announced amount, no matter how large, would be criticized as not near enough by the usual suspects. “Apple is a $3T company and they should have donated at least $1T. Fire Tim Cook. Apple is a cheapskate."

It hasn't even been 24 hours since it hit. (In addition to all the other replies above.)

they way I see it, if they are keeping it a secret, it makes apple look cheap (too embarrassed to disclosed), on the other hand if they donate, say $5B, I'm sure they would make certain that every media outlet around the world picks it up because it shows them in a positive light

 

[cale508]

What about Helene??

Apple already donated to this.
https://www.macrumors.com/2024/09/30/apple-to-donate-to-hurricane-helene-relief/

 

[citysnaps]

Why would the keep the amount a secret?

Because no matter what the amount is, people here and elsewhere will complain/moan that it's not enough. Apparently that helps those who do it feel good. Happens every single time. I'm guessing it will be in the millions. I have no idea how many.

 

[AeroEd]

They are donating the unsold units of vision pros

 

[citysnaps]

hey way I see it, if they are keeping it a secret, it makes apple look cheap (too embarrassed to disclosed), on the other hand if they donate, say $5B, I'm sure they would make certain that every media outlet around the world picks it up because it shows them in a positive light

That's only true for those who are *always* reflexively cynical about Apple's motivations, giving them an opportunity to proclaim how bad Apple is. Day after day after day.

 

[CharlieBoyWoof]

tax deductible

 

[Jumpthesnark]

tax deductible

As are all charitable donations. It's a way for the government to encourage giving. What's your point?

 

[TigerNike23]

Why would the keep the amount a secret?

Same reason literally every company says “a portion of proceeds will go to X” instead of saying the number.

Apple never said a dollar amount for their Product Red campaign either.

 

[Corefile]

Taylor donated $5m so what did Tim Apple donate?

 

[victorvictoria]

Guaranteed it will be a better contribution than Elon's 30 day "free" Starlink access. Guess what? Yep, as with all his other "gifts," there's a catch. You still have to pay $400 for the required dish. Delivery times are running 2-3 weeks, so not useful in the immediate. In addition, millions of Helene & Milton victims still have no power and no cell service. Since Starlink can only be ordered online, how are you supposed to get one at any price?

Betting Apple's contribution will be cash in hand.

 

[webkit]

Why would the keep the amount a secret?

Apple used to announce specific donation amounts for natural disaster relief efforts but appears to have stopped doing so about five years ago.

 

[webkit]

Guaranteed it will be a better contribution than Elon's 30 day "free" Starlink access. Guess what? Yep, as with all his other "gifts," there's a catch. You still have to pay $400 for the required dish. Delivery times are running 2-3 weeks, so not useful in the immediate. In addition, millions of Helene & Milton victims still have no power and no cell service. Since Starlink can only be ordered online, how are you supposed to get one at any price?

Betting Apple's contribution will be cash in hand.

Starlink and T-Mobile were able to offer free satellite texting and emergency communication service for those impacted by Helene and Milton. T-Mobile customers were able to send and receive texts and emergency alerts while others (non-T-Mobile customers) were able to at least receive emergency alerts.

 

[darngooddesign]

Because any announced amount, no matter how large, would be criticized as not near enough by the usual suspects. “Apple is a $3T company and they should have donated at least $1T. Fire Tim Cook. Apple is a cheapskate."

Not to mention all the critics who would claim the announcement was just for PR.

 

[iPadified]

Good PR but remember to pay sufficient tax so local government can build up suitable defences before the next hurricane.

 

[svish]

Good to see Apple donating for relief efforts

 

[NightFox]

they way I see it, if they are keeping it a secret, it makes apple look cheap (too embarrassed to disclosed), on the other hand if they donate, say $5B, I'm sure they would make certain that every media outlet around the world picks it up because it shows them in a positive light

They're damned if they do, damned if they don't. Looking at Apple's previously approaches to disaster relief contributions and the reactions:

Don't say how much: Must be a trivial amount that they don't want people to know about
Say how much: Wow, Apple only gave $10bn? Tim Cook probably earns that in a day
Don't say they've contributed: Can't believe Apple have $3tn but have donated nothing
Say they've contributed: They're exploiting this disaster just to get good PR

In fact most of those reactions have already come up in this thread. The reality is though, for those affected and likely to benefit from this donation, I don't think they'll give a damn about any of the above.