One MacTalk.com.au forum goer, Jack112006, posted detailed impressions of the new Apple Retail store changes:
As I was purchasing an iMac today, I spent quite a while talking to a few different staff members about the changes. To them, having the iPads as product info stands was nice, but the real change to them caused by the iPads is the queue system they introduce. Now, instead of having to wait around to find a free Specialist, all you have to do is request a Specialist from an iPad at the table you are at and they will be over as soon as they can be. It even tells you what place in the queue you are.
This queue system is an improvement over the current system in which customers had to fend for themselves looking for a free specialist. One concern by the retail staff was if customers might get frustrated and leave if they find themselves at the end of a long queue.
The posting also confirms something else we'd heard -- that the display iPads use a special ultra-thin tape-like ribbon cable that does connect into the iPad's dock connector to provide charging as well as an alarm in case of removal. As reported, the home button is non-functional on the display units, to prevent people from exiting out of the interactive demo software.
The overall feel of the store is said to be changed as about 35% of the store is devoted to setup and is described as a "much more community-centered space, contrary to the showroom feel of before."
Finally, Apple slipped a special inspirational note in with the documents to Apple retail employees.
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has high expectations for Apple's first foldable iPhone.
In his Power On newsletter today, he said the foldable iPhone will be "the most significant overhaul in the iPhone's history."
"iPhone 4, iPhone 6 and iPhone X were clearly a big deal, but this is a whole new design," he said.
Like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, the foldable iPhone will reportedly open up like ...
iOS 26.5 is now available for developers, and while it doesn't include any new Siri capabilities, there are some major changes for the European Union, and smaller tweaks for features available worldwide.
Suggested Places
In the Maps app, there's a new "Suggested Places" feature that recommends locations to visit based on trending places nearby and recent searches. When Apple launches ads in ...
Tuesday March 31, 2026 10:36 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple today added the MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) to its "vintage" products list, meaning the device is now only eligible for repairs at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers if parts remain available.
The MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) was the final MacBook Air model released before Apple redesigned the laptop and gave it a Retina display in 2018.
Apple also added all iPad...
Bloomberg's Mark Gurman has high expectations for Apple's first foldable iPhone.
In his Power On newsletter today, he said the foldable iPhone will be "the most significant overhaul in the iPhone's history."
"iPhone 4, iPhone 6 and iPhone X were clearly a big deal, but this is a whole new design," he said.
Like Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7, the foldable iPhone will reportedly open up like ...
iOS 26.5 is now available for developers, and while it doesn't include any new Siri capabilities, there are some major changes for the European Union, and smaller tweaks for features available worldwide.
Suggested Places
In the Maps app, there's a new "Suggested Places" feature that recommends locations to visit based on trending places nearby and recent searches. When Apple launches ads in ...
Tuesday March 31, 2026 10:36 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple today added the MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) to its "vintage" products list, meaning the device is now only eligible for repairs at Apple Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers if parts remain available.
The MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) was the final MacBook Air model released before Apple redesigned the laptop and gave it a Retina display in 2018.
Apple also added all iPad...
The inspirational message misses the most valuable asset to Apple. The Apple Staff who run these stores are most incredible. When I've had to wait for an appointment or simply waited a few minutes to process a purchase, I have stood in awe of the incredible team working the Apple Stores. I am always so impressed by the compassion, excitement, and willingness to seek answers even if they don't know the answer themselves. Kudos to all those who work the front lines, I am very impressed.
This story, this whole gimmick, this non-event makes no real sense to me.
Gimmick non-event? It was never intended to be an event. It was an internal initiative. The Mac rumor mill churned this into something it never was.
It's pretty basic. Want info on a product? Here's an interactive display giving you info. Want to compare models? You can easily do that, too. Have further questions? An Apple Store employee will come to you. This is a no-brainer way to run a technology store.
If you've ever been to any of Apple's NYC stores (especially 5th Ave.) they're a nightmare. This seems to have the ability to manage the chaos.
Sorry, but this is kind of lame. It also looks disorganized and seems like overkill.
BTW: I was in the Apple Store in Charlotte a couple month ago and it took almost 15-20 minutes to just get checked out. Plus, everyone had a snooty and pompous attitude. How about we do something about that Steve?
I imagine this is precisely trying to address the problem of getting paying customers in and out of the store.
