Apple’s going to have to address a few questions it would rather not at this year’s shareholder meeting. We heard last week that the meeting was going socially distanced again this year - compliments of the dreaded virus. When they do get together virtually, Apple will have to answer to shareholders for the way it handles dealing with the App Store in China.
According to a piece from Apple Insider, an individual filing on behalf of Azzad Asset Management wants to know why certain apps are removed from the App Store. While Apple says its annual transparency report answers the questions at hand, the filing apparently seeks specific answers about specific apps, not the aggregate numbers Apple offers.
Apple had asked the Securities and Exchange Commission to block six shareholder proposals. The SEC agreed to block three, including one tied to right to repair. It seems Apple’s Self Repair service announcement addresses those concerns as far as the Commission is concerned. Three shareholder proposals will face a vote though, including one regarding issues tied to forced labor, one tied to employee non-disclosure agreements, and the one about the App Store in China. Of course, Apple can still advise shareholders to vote the way it wants when the items come up for a vote. That usually works for the company, if memory serves.
Apple’s socially distanced shareholder meeting is scheduled for Friday 4 March.
