Apple debuts Daisy, a new iPhone disassembling robot

Earth Day 2018 will be celebrated this Sunday, April 22. In honor of it, Apple has announced that for every device received at Apple stores and apple.com through the Apple GiveBack program through April 30, the company will make a donation to the non-profit Conservation International, which uses science, policy and partnerships to protect the natural world people rely on for food, fresh water and livelihood. 

Eligible devices will receive credit that customers can use toward an in-store purchase or put on an Apple Store Gift Card for future use.

Apple also debuted Daisy, a robot that can more efficiently disassemble iPhone to recover valuable materials. Both Apple GiveBack and Daisy support Apple’s commitment to create a healthier planet through innovation — and help the company move a step closer to its goal of making its products using only recycled or renewable materials, says Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives.

Apple’s newest disassembly robot, Daisy, is the most efficient way to reclaim more of the valuable materials stored in iPhone, according to Jackson. It incorporates technology based on Apple’s learnings from Liam, its first disassembly robot that launched in 2016. 

Daisy is made from some of Liam’s parts and is capable of disassembling nine versions of iPhone and sorting their high-quality components for recycling. The robot can take apart up to 200 iPhone devices per hour, removing and sorting components, so that Apple can recover materials that traditional recyclers can’t — and at a higher quality, according to Jackson.

As part of its continued commitment to supporting a healthy planet through innovation, Apple will today also release its annual Environment Report. And last  week, Apple announced that its global facilities are now powered with 100% clean energy. 

Finally, Apple Watch users will receive a notification today about the Earth Day Challenge, an activity encouraging them to get outside, enjoy the planet and complete a workout of at least 30 minutes. If they do so on Earth Day, they’ll receive a special achievement and unique stickers in iMessage. Starting tomorrow, Apple stores around the world will feature logos with green leaves or window decals in honor of Earth Day.

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