Zoe Schiffer

The stores, in the United States and Canada, will reopen later this week.

An Apple store in Southlake, Texas, is closed Wednesday through Sunday this week following an outbreak of positive Covid-19 cases among staff members.

The passing of the baton could herald a new era of innovation for the company.

The company is also releasing former employees from nondisclosure agreements.

Terra Field and B. Pagels-Minor are also voluntarily withdrawing their unfair labor practice charge against the company.

Following months of internal controversy about how much workers make, Apple announced in a memo employees have the right to discuss working conditions and pay.

CEO Tim Cook said in a memo to employees that the company is now targeting Feb. 1, 2022, to begin its “hybrid work pilot.”