Apple today shifted its messaging concerning Apple Watch try-on appointments, which were required in the early days following the wearable's launch to be able to interact with and size the various models of the Watch. The messaging of try-on appointments has now largely vanished from the Apple Watch's online storefront, with a notification encouraging customers to visit their local Apple Watch store for workshops on the device or "just walk in to try Apple Watch on."
In reality, walk-in customers have generally been able to arrange immediate try-on sessions for some time now as the crowds have significantly lessened following the initial surge. With Apple gearing up to begin in-store sales of the Apple Watch in just a few weeks, however, the company is already changing its customer guidance to omit the recommendation of making an appointment.
Even though the messaging is pivoting away from scheduled appointments, it should be noted that retail stores are still accepting try-on appointments for customers wanting to ensure their time with the Apple Watch. Try-on sessions may become a bit busier once in-store sales begin, so at that point appointments may become more advisable.
Saturday August 16, 2025 6:45 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
Apple is developing an all-new operating system codenamed "Charismatic," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
Apple smart home hub concept
This is likely Apple's long-rumored "homeOS" operating system.
In a report this week, Gurman said both Apple's rumored smart home hub in 2026 and tabletop robot in 2027 will run the new operating system. He said the software platform will blend...
Alleged images of the iPhone 17 Pro Max's internal design have surfaced, offering a potential look inside the device before it is announced by Apple next month.
The images were shared by the account "yeux1122" this week, in a blog post on the Korean platform Naver. The account aggregates Apple rumors and leaks, so it is likely not the original source of the images, and it is unclear if they...
Last week, Apple released and then pulled a software tool that accidentally contained identifiers for many unreleased devices and chips, according to MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris. His findings included new models of the Studio Display, Apple TV, Apple Watches, Apple Vision Pro, iPad mini, HomePod mini, and more.
Here is what was uncovered in the file, according to MacRumors contributor ...
At least one new Apple Watch model launching next year will feature a "significant redesign," according to Taiwanese supply chain publication DigiTimes.
In a paywalled report this week, citing supply chain insiders, DigiTimes claimed that a high-end 2026 Apple Watch model will feature "exterior design" changes, including but not limited to "eight sensors arranged in a ring pattern visible...
Thursday August 14, 2025 4:13 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
Apple made a major slip Wednesday when it accidentally included hardware identifiers in software code linking to numerous unannounced products.
The leaked information provided MacRumors with concrete evidence of Apple's hardware development across multiple product categories. Here's everything that was confirmed through the code discoveries:
New HomePod mini with updated chip – New...
Monday August 18, 2025 11:59 am PDT by Joe Rossignol
The seventh developer beta of iOS 26 is now available. While we are now in the later stages of the iOS 26 beta cycle, there are still some changes.
Below, we outline everything new that we have found in iOS 26 beta 7 so far.
Redesigned Blood Oxygen Feature
The seventh developer betas of iOS 26 and watchOS 26 include a redesigned Blood Oxygen feature on Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch ...
Thursday August 14, 2025 3:40 am PDT by Tim Hardwick
An alleged iPhone 17 Pro production leak may provide a first look at the device's milled all-aluminum chassis, which this year includes the camera bump – in contrast to last year's iPhone 16 Pro model that features a glass camera module attached to an all-glass back panel.
Originally shared by leaker Majin Bu, the image below could be of a moulding, but it still lines up with rumors that...
As we wait for WWDC to kick off next Monday, Apple today announced the winners of its annual Apple Design Awards, recognizing apps and games for their innovation, ingenuity, and technical achievement.
The 2025 Apple Design Award winners are listed below, with one app and one game selected per category:
Delight and Fun - CapWords (App) and Balatro (Game)
Innovation - Play (App) and PBJ -...
This was the most botched up launch ever done. I can't believe that Angela whatever her name is in charge of this has got away with no proper criticism of her handling. Absolute joke. She has no comprehension of the true apple customer. Making people come in to make an appointment to have to come back a second time to try it on and then buy. Everyone had already ordered the thing online. They didn't need extra staff on launch day as purchases were already made. She spoilt what could have been an exciting release and turned it into a confusing damp squid. And She's the highest paid whatever in the world. Joke ! She was brought in for her fashion connections but I doubt it would have been that hard to tap into the fashion world without her. Apple is a world renowned respected brand and would have played ball with or without her influence. Am so annoyed by the handling Of it all. Though I do respect tims ethos of bringing in new talent and expanding, however there is no question that this was a mistake.
I walked in on "launch day" and tried one on straight away. The employee I spoke to said "We've got to have lots of staff because it's a launch day, but we haven't had a crowd because you can't buy them in store."
Most of the staff were wondering around without much to do. People seemed as interested in the watch as any other product.
Which is why this launch was such a screwed up mess.
The people who were most excited about the Apple Watch and really wanted to try it on, were forced to order it online, as that was the only way to get one.
Therefore, most of those people had decided upon a watch, and didn't need to try it on.
The only people you got were people who only heard about the Apple Watch from media, walk-bys at the mall, and people who already purchased but were curious to see it in person.
There should have been a try-on period for 2 weeks before pre-orders started on April 24, with immediate shipping. THIS would have made sense.
It makes sense when you have people spending $17,000+ Edition wanting to buy a watch but then end up in the waiting line for someone to buy a $200 sports watch.
No it doesn't. When I walk into a Rolex boutique and want to look at a $20k watch I don't make an appointment. I walk in and that's that.
Appointments is not how the rest of high street operates.
I had the appointment for first thing on the non-launch date. I think Apple is still missing the whole point (or they are not and just simply trying to spin the story). People who walk in want to walk out with something in their hand (or on their wrist). I am very happy with my watch now that it has been delivered, but the whole experience of going in, only to be forced to order, only to be forced to wait over a month, seems like a complete failure no matter how much they try to spin.
How does someone just walk out with product when there isn't any in stock? Plus Apple said from day one it would initially be online only so anyone going to a store expecting to walk out with the Watch only has themselves to blame.
so what you are saying is that spin worked very well for you. okay. It did not work on me however.
Apple did not say it was online only on day 1. They admitted that they had no stock after pre-orders started and before launch date (which effectively made it a non-launch). And even then, so what. A customer expectation is always to go in buy something and walk out. Otherwise, I would stay at home and purchase on-line. It really is a bad thing that you can walk into a store but not actually have the option to buy something.
Biggest design overhaul since iOS 7 with Liquid Glass, plus new Apple Intelligence features and improvements to Messages, Phone, Safari, Shortcuts, and more. Developer beta available now ahead of public beta in July.
