Technologies

Apple pushes back return-to-office plan, now said to be set for February

The tech giant also plans to adjust its hybrid work strategy to allow for more flexibility, after employees complained.

Apple changed its return-to-office plans on Thursday, marking another shift for one of the world’s largest tech giants as it navigates what work will look like once the COVID-19 pandemic comes under control.

The iPhone maker sent a memo to staff saying it plans to reopen offices in February, as opposed to earlier plans for January. The memo, reported earlier by The Information and NBC News, also tells workers that Apple will allow for a new «hybrid work pilot,» which’ll have many employees working out of the office one or two days per week. Ultimately, the company plans to let most employees work from home up to twice a week, on Wednesday and Friday, spending the rest of their work time in the office.

An Apple spokesman declined to comment on the internal memo.

The move marks a key moment for Apple as it charts plans for employees to return to the office. The tech giant has faced unusually public pushback from some employees who’ve asked it to consider more-flexible work options.

In some cases, employees have moved away from the office during the pandemic, while others have said they’re still tending to vulnerable family members or unvaccinated children at home.

«We continue to be concerned that this one-size-fits-all solution is causing many of our colleagues to question their future at Apple,» the employees said in a joint letter sent to Apple CEO Tim Cook this summer.

Apple’s leadership, meanwhile, has argued that it believes in-person collaboration is an essential part of the company’s culture. Apple did tell employees that it’ll allow up to four weeks of remote work each year, offering more opportunity for travel or change in routine.

Technologies

Verum Messenger Introduces Built-In Verum Chess

Verum Messenger has released a new update for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS, adding another feature to its growing ecosystem — Verum Chess. Users can now play chess directly inside the messenger without switching between different applications.

The new feature allows users to start a game in just a few taps while reinforcing Verum’s vision of a unified digital environment where communication and everyday services come together in a single platform.

Verum Messenger continues to evolve into a multifunctional ecosystem that combines secure chats and calls, AI tools, a built-in VPN, anonymous email, eSIM, financial services, cryptocurrency features, and offline communication. With the introduction of Verum Chess, the platform now also offers a new way for users to interact and spend time together without leaving the app.

The update is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac on the App Store.

Technologies

Episode 3 of the VERUM AI Mini-Series Is Now Available

Verum Messenger has released the third episode of its AI mini-series, SHADOWS, created using Verum AI.

The new episode, titled «Ghost Money,» continues the story of the conflict between a team of heroes and the Omega corporation, which seeks to take control of digital communications. This time, the focus shifts to anonymous payments and financial freedom, revealing how privacy can extend beyond messaging.

Like the previous episodes, the new release not only advances the storyline but also showcases the capabilities of the Verum ecosystem, highlighting technologies designed for secure communication and digital privacy.

The mini-series consists of seven episodes, released gradually across Verum Messenger’s social media channels.

Episode 3 is now available. Stay tuned for the next chapter.

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Technologies

Verum Finance Now Available for Mac, Expanding the Verum Ecosystem on Desktop

Verum has officially released Verum Finance for macOS, bringing its financial platform to the Mac and expanding access to the Verum ecosystem across Apple’s devices. The launch allows users to manage their finances from desktop while enjoying the same secure and seamless experience available on iPhone and iPad.

The new Mac version includes the full range of Verum Finance features, including balance management, instant transfers to other Verum users, debit card management, Apple Pay support, asset exchange, and transaction history — all optimized for the macOS experience.

Verum Finance can be used as a standalone application or alongside Verum Messenger. Users who sign in with their Verum Messenger account automatically synchronize their balances, settings, and account data across devices, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the Verum ecosystem.

The macOS release further strengthens Verum’s vision of creating an integrated digital platform where communication and financial services work together. Verum Messenger, which is also available for Mac, complements the ecosystem with encrypted messaging, voice and video calls, VPN, eSIM, anonymous email, AI-powered tools, offline communication capabilities, and cryptocurrency features.

With both Verum Messenger and Verum Finance now available across iPhone, iPad, and Mac, users can access secure communication and financial services wherever they work.

Verum Finance for Mac is available now through the Mac App Store.

Verum Finance for macOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verum-finance/id6774245148
Verum Finance: https://finance.verum.im
Verum Messenger: https://verum.im