Apple: Climate Change Could Boost Sales By $2.3 Billion

Apple suggested its safety features could be beneficial for iPhone sales — by up to $2.3 billion — in the event of catastrophic climate change, according to a new report.

The recently-released report was written by Apple and published by CDP, a nonprofit organization that questions companies about their environmental impact.

The tech giant said the device’s various safety features, like “SOS,” which puts iPhone and Apple Watch users in touch with emergency services, could increase “customer loyalty and demand” when users have to deal with extreme weather conditions.

Apple also said that other iPhone safety features, like a built-in flashlight and emergency alerts, will have the same effect.

“Over the past few years, for example, we enabled iPhone to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts, including alerts from the National Weather Service and local law enforcement. These alerts also appear on Apple Watch. We also offer a free ‘find friends’ app, and a fast-access flashlight,” the company said in the report.

Also, power efficiency rules could work in the company’s favor, it said, if countries pass tighter environmental rules.

The company also sees risks, however, like the potential of storm damage to factories that might hamper its ability to deliver products to customers.

Being environmentally aware, Apple said, is very important to its reputation and if people felt it was not, it might “reduce people’s inclination to purchase from, invest in, or work for Apple.”

In other Apple news, the company announced Tuesday (Jan. 22) that Target, Taco Bell, Hy-Vee supermarkets, Speedway and Jack in the Box all now support Apple Pay.

In a press release, Apple said that with the addition of the national retailers, 74 of the leading 100 merchants in the U.S. and 65 percent of retail locations around the U.S. support Apple Pay.

“Whether customers are buying everyday household items, groceries, snacks for a road trip or grabbing a quick meal, Apple Pay is the easiest way to pay in stores, while also being secure and faster than using a credit or debit card at the register,” said Jennifer Bailey, Apple’s vice president of internet services. “We’re thrilled even more customers will be able to pay at their favorite stores and restaurants using the Apple devices that are always with them.”