Apple is responding to the COVID-19 virus in real time as the global pandemic worsens, and the latest coronavirus response is a new App Store effort to ensure the credibility of health and safety information.

Starting now, Apple is expediting approval for specific apps from reputable sources related to COVID-19. The App Store is also waiving the annual membership fee for distributing free apps for select groups. Apple will not approve apps that use COVID-19 themes for entertainment and games to limit apps that take advantage of the current health crisis.

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Apple is adapting at a relatively rapid pace to the ongoing coronavirus situation, and part of the company’s response has been allowing employees to work from home when possible. A new report today from The Wall Street Journal explores some of the road bumps Apple, as well as other tech companies, have hit in the process of shifting to remote work.

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We’re debuting a new series here on 9to5Mac that we’re calling Podcast of the Week. I listen to more podcasts than I care to admit, and I am always looking for new shows to help me make sense of the crazy world we live in, learn about new trends in technology, or just get a good laugh. These articles will be short and to the point. I’ll share a brief description of the show, tell you why I like it, and give you subscribe links for a range of podcast apps. This week, my favorite new podcast is Byers Market with Dylan Byers.

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In response to the continued coronavirus outbreak, Apple and Goldman Sachs are allowing customers to skip their Apple Card March payment without incurring interest charges. Apple Card holders should receive an email announcing this “Customer Assistance Program.”

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Apple @ Work is brought to you by Jamf, the standard for Apple in the enterprise. Learn more at Jamf.com/9to5mac.

Over the past few weeks, I have been looking at how forward-thinking Apple-focused organizations should be moving their overall operations to “the cloud” or software-as-a-service solutions. In previous weeks, we looked at email, web hosting, network security, and more. This week, I am going to look at how cloud networking has revolutionized how IT departments should be managing their core infrastructure. I will also discuss cloud networking, device management, and endpoint security. expand full story

More carriers and ISPs are committing to relaxing policies on overages and data caps as the coronavirus pandemic continues. As we reported on Thursday, AT&T is waiving overages and data caps for customers, but now companies including Sprint, T-Mobile, Comcast, and Verizon are joining in.

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