World's first 'floating' Apple Store revealed

Apple Marina Bay Sands Exterior
Apple Marina Bay Sands Exterior (Image credit: Apple)

Apple Nso Marina Bay Sands Aerial View

Apple Nso Marina Bay Sands Aerial View (Image credit: Apple)

What you need to know

  • Apple has officially unveiled its new Singapore store.
  • Apple Marina Bay Sands will open on September 10.
  • The new store looks like it's floating on the waters of Marina Bay.

Apple has officially unveiled its brand new Marina Bay Sands store in Singapore, describing it as its most "ambitious retail project."

In a press release the company stated:

Apple today previewed Apple Marina Bay Sands, the first Apple Store to sit directly on the water. Appearing as a sphere floating on the iridescent Marina Bay, the store introduces a new and captivating retail experience at one of the most iconic locations in Singapore.

Apple Nso Marina Bay Sands Oculus

Apple Nso Marina Bay Sands Oculus (Image credit: Apple)

The store boasts 360-degree panoramic views of the city skyline and the sphere is made from an all-glass dome that is fully self-supported. The store reportedly draws inspiration from the Pantheon in Rome:

Inspired by the Pantheon in Rome, an oculus located at the apex of the dome provides a flooding ray of light that travels through the space. The interior of the glass is lined with custom baffles, each uniquely shaped to counter sun angles and provide a nighttime lighting effect. With trees lining the interior of the dome, the green garden city of Singapore flows into the store, providing additional shading and soft shadows through the foliage.

The store features everything you would usually expect from an Apple store, including a Forum and Video Wall. 148 employees representing 23 different languages will be there at the store's opening on September 10, 10 am local time. Given the pandemic, customers will be required to wear a mask, socially distance, and undergo a temperature check before entering.

Customers wishing to visit the store on Thursday must book an appointment to do so. You can read the full details here.

Stephen Warwick
News Editor

Stephen Warwick has written about Apple for five years at iMore and previously elsewhere. He covers all of iMore's latest breaking news regarding all of Apple's products and services, both hardware and software. Stephen has interviewed industry experts in a range of fields including finance, litigation, security, and more. He also specializes in curating and reviewing audio hardware and has experience beyond journalism in sound engineering, production, and design. Before becoming a writer Stephen studied Ancient History at University and also worked at Apple for more than two years. Stephen is also a host on the iMore show, a weekly podcast recorded live that discusses the latest in breaking Apple news, as well as featuring fun trivia about all things Apple. Follow him on Twitter @stephenwarwick9