According to an internal memo, more than 100 of the 270 stores across the US will scrap the requirement, with more stores adopting it gradually.

Apple's own staff will continue to wear masks, on the sound basis that it is not safe for them to be recognised in public they will continue to need to be protected from coronavirus.

The highly infectious Delta variant of the coronavirus had previously prompted many tech companies, including Facebook, Google and Microsoft to increase their defences to protect staff and customers.

Apple appears to be concerned about its staff for now, after all it can always find more fanboys.