Tim Cook says work from home will remain 'very critical' after pandemic ends

Tim Cook believes that many companies will continue to employ workers remotely even after coronavirus numbers decrease.

While some believe that working from home is merely a temporary side effect of the pandemic, Apple is betting that remote work will likely outlast the coronavirus.

"Where this pandemic will end, many companies will continue to operate in hybrid mode," Cook said in Wednesday's quarterly earnings call. "Work from home will remain very critical."

Apple has seen record-breaking growth this quarter, with 53.6% growth year-over-year. Outperforming all other devices, iPad has seen growth of over 78% this quarter, likely due to work-from-home and the increased role iPad plays in remote learning.

Mac also saw 70% growth, $9.1 billion in revenue, up from $5.4 billion a year ago. The company noted that the last three quarters were the best ever for Mac.

"The demand feels very strong right now," Cook said of the quarterly performance. "Both on the Mac side, you have the combination of work from home and remote learning. And in iPad, you've got remote learning and work from home as well."

In October, Cook said that Apple saw growth in sales to remote students and home workers and believed that trend would continue.

16 Comments

scampercom 19 Years · 95 comments

About 3 years ago

Correct. Working from home is now demystified, and companies have seen productivity levels maintained (or exceeded in some cases). Side benefits are greater accessibility for those who have trouble commuting physically or otherwise, fewer cars in the road, lessened need to live in expensive, crowded urban hubs, etc. The greater flexibility is beneficial to companies and employees. We shouldn’t just forget that as the viral risk levels decline.

Plus some people just hate offices. Hi!

GeorgeBMac 8 Years · 11421 comments

I'm hoping that the technical progress made with cyberschools won't go to waste: Schools and students have been equipped with the necessary hardware & software and trained in how to use it.

While it's true that for many cyberschool has been a disaster, it is equally true that much progress has been made so that computers can compliment traditional paper, pencil and textbook type learning.

We should look forward to kids using e-books instead of lugging 25 pound bulging back packs around. And computers automatically grading tests and homework instead of teachers spending valuable education time on such paperwork. Also, it enables educators to bring in experts from outside of the school district to teach specialty subjects or topics.

But, there is still a long way to go: My grandson was doing it all by computer while in cyberschool. But now that he's back in the classroom he and his class are back to doing things pretty much the same way I did them 60 years ago....

But, Apple needs to up its game: to use Apple equipment for cyber type learning the student has to obtain BOTH a Mac and an iPad -- neither by itself is will meet the requirements. Students need a 2 in 1 to do laptop type work (typing papers, etc...) as well as a tablet with a pencil to do things like solving math equations. Few schools and parents have the resources or desire to invest in both and few students want to have to lug both around in school.

AppleZulu 8 Years · 2205 comments

GeorgeBMac said:

I'm hoping that the technical progress made with cyberschools won't go to waste: Schools and students have been equipped with the necessary hardware & software and trained in how to use it.

While it's true that for many cyberschool has been a disaster, it is equally true that much progress has been made so that computers can compliment traditional paper, pencil and textbook type learning.

We should look forward to kids using e-books instead of lugging 25 pound bulging back packs around.   And computers automatically grading tests and homework instead of teachers spending valuable education time on such paperwork. Also, it enables educators to bring in experts from outside of the school district to teach specialty subjects or topics.

But, there is still a long way to go: My grandson was doing it all by computer while in cyberschool.   But now that he's back in the classroom he and his class are back to doing things pretty much the same way I did them 60 years ago....

But, Apple needs to up its game:   to use Apple equipment for cyber type learning the student has to obtain BOTH a Mac and an iPad -- neither by itself is will meet the requirements. Students need a 2 in 1 to do laptop type work (typing papers, etc...) as well as a tablet with a pencil to do things like solving math equations.   Few schools and parents have the resources or desire to invest in both and few students want to have to lug both around in school.

We've been over this. Apple isn't going to do that. They've said it, they've said it again, and then they said it again after that. I think this is what you're looking for right here.

crowley 15 Years · 10431 comments

AppleZulu said:

GeorgeBMac said:

I'm hoping that the technical progress made with cyberschools won't go to waste: Schools and students have been equipped with the necessary hardware & software and trained in how to use it.

While it's true that for many cyberschool has been a disaster, it is equally true that much progress has been made so that computers can compliment traditional paper, pencil and textbook type learning.

We should look forward to kids using e-books instead of lugging 25 pound bulging back packs around.   And computers automatically grading tests and homework instead of teachers spending valuable education time on such paperwork. Also, it enables educators to bring in experts from outside of the school district to teach specialty subjects or topics.

But, there is still a long way to go: My grandson was doing it all by computer while in cyberschool.   But now that he's back in the classroom he and his class are back to doing things pretty much the same way I did them 60 years ago....

But, Apple needs to up its game:   to use Apple equipment for cyber type learning the student has to obtain BOTH a Mac and an iPad -- neither by itself is will meet the requirements. Students need a 2 in 1 to do laptop type work (typing papers, etc...) as well as a tablet with a pencil to do things like solving math equations.   Few schools and parents have the resources or desire to invest in both and few students want to have to lug both around in school.

We've been over this. Apple isn't going to do that. They've said it, they've said it again, and then they said it again after that. I think this is what you're looking for right here.

If it's just typing up papers then one of these will do just fine https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/ipad/accessories/keyboards

roundaboutnow 13 Years · 755 comments

While I do miss the ease of collaborating with my peers and the insights that can occur in those accidental hallway conversations, I sure have been enjoying WFH. No commute and the comfort of life in my quiet neighborhood in the hills has been really nice. I feel super lucky to have been able to do this.

I am definitely going to be negotiating with my employer for a hybrid work arrangement once return to office full time takes place. Only problem I see is that I will need to bring my office equipment back (mainly 27" 5K iMac), so I will have to update my personal tech to re-establish a home office set up. My employer won't likely provide two sets of computers--it's either desktop or laptop, not both. Maybe I can turn in the work iMac for a work laptop, but I'd just as soon get my own laptop--I'm overdue for an upgrade. Just not looking forward to the expense though.