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Apple Announces 'Shop With a Specialist Over Video' Feature for Buying an iPhone

Apple today announced that customers in the U.S. can now connect with an Apple Specialist over a live video session while shopping for an iPhone on the company's online store. With this new service, customers can learn about the latest iPhone models and features, switching to iOS, trade-in offers, carrier deals, and financing options.

Apple Shop with a Specialist over Video
"Shop with a Specialist over Video" is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time every day on the Shop iPhone page of Apple's website. During the one-way session, Apple says the retail employee will be on camera sharing their screen, but they will not be able to see the customer. Apple promises that the video session is "safe and secure."

"With Shop with a Specialist over Video, our team members are excited to connect with customers and provide exceptional service as they learn about which iPhone best suits them," said Karen Rasmussen, the head of Apple's online store.

Apple's online store continues to allow customers to connect with a Specialist via phone, online chat, or an American Sign Language session.

Top Rated Comments

40 months ago
One way video session? Huh? So there will be just a pre-recorded video of a person trying to upsell you stuff?

Tim, are you that desperate for the next quarterly report?

I mean I can understand 2-way session, so customers can ask a real person on questions about the product. But one-way?
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
antiprotest Avatar
40 months ago
Finally, a person I can talk to about Apple products whenever I feel lonely or waiting in line for something.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
40 months ago
When your iPhone lineup is too convoluted...
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
FelixDerKater Avatar
40 months ago
Please do not leave one of those annoying pop-up chat boxes like Verizon and several other companies. Browsing the site for more than a minute does not mean I want to talk.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
40 months ago
So proof that Apple's iPhone lineup is so complicated you need an expert's help to figure out which one to buy.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TSE Avatar
40 months ago



My 87 year old grandma used this feature last night.

The multi-ethnic, gender non-conforming Apple specialist asked her what she was going to use her iPhone for.

"Facetime with my grandch-", and before she could finish her sentence, the Apple specialist interrupted.

"You need to buy a maxed out iPhone 14 Pro Max. I already added it to your cart with AppleCare+ for ten years. All you have to do is press your finger on your TouchID sensor and it's paid for. Have a great day!"

The Apple Specialist then logged off.



Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)