Apple shares news: tech giant to launch healthcare clinics for employees

Apple shares closed higher in the US Monday, ahead of reports the global tech giant is planning to open clinics to provide healthcare to its US-based employees. The move, as told to news outlets by sources, comes soon after Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JP Morgan have announced their own healthcare ambitions.

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Apple shares ended 1.98% higher at $178.97, in line with the broader positive investor tone across markets, Monday.

Apple employee healthcare plan

Apple has launched a new website – AC Wellness – which is set to open for business in the Spring of this year. According to a CNBC report, meanwhile, Apple plans to initially open only two clinics in Santa Clara, California, for its Silicon Valley employees.

“AC Wellness is an independent medical practice dedicated to delivering compassionate, effective healthcare to the Apple employee population,” the homepage of the website states.

The website only has limited details at present, including a short About US page and a careers page with 10 medical job listings

As well as coming hot on the heels of other big US business plans to provide better healthcare services for their employees, the news is also in the wake of Apple CEO Tim Cook’s comments at the latest shareholder meeting.

Cook told attendees that Apple wants to make a “significant contribution” in health care, beyond its fitness-related app offerings.

iPhone rumours

While Apple’s healthcare plans gain interest, a Bloomberg report, citing sources, states the next iPhones will include a larger, high-end model as well as a lower-priced model, with fewer key new features.

The report said Apple is aiming to appeal to as many consumers as possible with its new offerings, which is also said to include an upgraded model that isn’t as large. Its likely the reported planned larger screen could prove a big draw to encourage existing – and new – customers to the brand