Source: iMore
What you need to know
- Apple is expanding its 'Express' retail format.
- It will open the feature up to 50 stores in the U.S. and Europe.
- The format involves a wall at the front of the store and sales counters akin to "normal" retail.
Apple is expanding its 'Express' retail format to 50 locations in the US and Europe by the end of October to help with iPhone 12 sales, according to a new report.
The new "Express" stores come as COVID-19 rates are rising around the United States and Europe. The new format has a wall built in front of the main store with sales counters protected by plexiglass and a few shelves of accessories such as phone cases and AirPods. Customers make an appointment to pick up orders placed online or interact with Apple's technicians for customer service.
For Apple, which has 271 retail stores in the United States, the new format could help it navigate a holiday sales challenge.
The report says the new mode will give Apple more options with higher COVID-19 infection rates alongside its curbside pickup service. As you can imagine, mall stores and busy downtown locations don't really lend themselves to that approach. Apple's Deirdre O'Brien stated:
"It's a swifter way for us to serve customers. It allows us to maintain all the appropriate social distancing and maintain all of our health protocols within our stores."
The iPhone 12 will be released tomorrow, October 23, alongside the iPhone 12 Pro.
iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro | From $699 at Apple
Pre-orders are now open for the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro at Apple. Devices will begin shipping on October 23.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
iOS gaming recap: Drop into the Disney Mirrorverse and more from Netflix
This week in the iOS gaming world, Netflix made some more big moves to bring a beloved game to mobile, while Disney is doing more multiverse madness.
Review: This ZAGG Apple Watch band is a good Braided Solo Loop dupe
We love the Apple Braided Solo Loop, but that $99 price tag can be hard to swallow if you want multiple colors. Thankfully, ZAGG has a good alternative that costs half of that.
Apple launches its Back to School promotion, $150 gift cards on offer
Today, Apple has launched its annual Back to School promotion offering students gift cards of up to $150 with certain purchases.
Need to print something from your iPhone? Check out these printers!
Printers are a reliable way of obtaining a physical copy of documents. Even if you're mostly using your iPhone or iPad for everyday computing, AirPrint capable printers will keep you printing with no problems. Here are some of our favorites!