Apple's homepage taken over by message about racism from Tim Cook amid George Floyd protests

Apple CEO Tim Cook speaks during a product launch event on September 12, 2018, in Cupertino, California (NOAH BERGER/AFP/Getty Images)

Apple's homepage has been changed to highlight a message from Tim Cook about racism.

The website – which is usually covered in marketing for Apple's own products – now directs visitors to a "message from Tim" titled "Speaking up on racism".

After noting the pain of black communities across the US, the message commits Apple to a range of changes intended to help advance the aims of the protests against racial injustice and police brutality.

"Right now, there is a pain deeply etched in the soul of our nation and in the hearts of millions," the open letter begins. "To stand together, we must stand up for one another, and recognize the fear, hurt, and outrage rightly provoked by the senseless killing of George Floyd and a much longer history of racism."

It goes on to admit that the company must do more to fight against racism and other problems across the country.

"We commit to continuing our work to bring critical resources and technology to underserved school systems," the message reads. "We commit to continuing to fight the forces of environmental injustice — like climate change — which disproportionately harm Black communities and other communities of colour.

"We commit to looking inward and pushing progress forward on inclusion and diversity, so that every great idea can be heard. And we’re donating to organizations including the Equal Justice Initiative, which challenge racial injustice and mass incarceration."

The letter is signed by Mr Cook and can be read in full on Apple's website.

It follows an internal message, sent as a memo to employees, which included much of the same wording but explicitly reached out to black staff at the company. "For all of our colleagues hurting right now, please know that you are not alone, and that we have resources to support you," that memo read.