New York investigates claims of gender bias in Apple Card algorithms

Apple card.
(Image credit: Michael Short/Getty Images)

Apple's new credit card is allegedly loaded with original sin.

The New York Department of Financial Services is investigating allegations that the new Apple Card's algorithms discriminate against women in setting credit limits. The investigation began after high-profile men reported earning credit limits far higher than women's, with evidence even coming from Apple's co-founder, Reuters reports.

Entrepreneur David Heinemeier Hansson criticized the Apple Card in a series of tweets starting Thursday, saying it gave him a credit limit 20 times higher than his wife's even though she has a better credit score. Later, Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak said he got 10 times more credit on the card than his wife, but they have "no separate bank or credit card accounts or any separate assets."

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Apple did not immediately respond Sunday to Reuters' request for comment. Apple teamed up to launch the card with Goldman Sachs, which is responsible for credit decisions. Goldman said its decisions were based on creditworthiness, not factors such as gender or race.

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