"Hey Siri" support and possibly wireless charging case alongside AirPower charging mat.
Details and Impressions on Apple's Retail Changes
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.
[ 150 comments ]
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100 months ago
No one cares about this rubbish....
bring out mobileme revamp and cloud itunes already!!!
It matters. The retail experience is part of what made Apple into the industry giant it is today.
100 months ago
[url=https://cdn.macrumors.com/article-new/2011/05/photo-500x500.jpg]Image (https://cdn.macrumors.com/article-new/2011/05/photo.jpg)[/url]
That’s the Apple I like: Not focusing on the past, but the future.
100 months ago
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.
100 months ago
Incredible Staff
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.
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.
100 months ago
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.
100 months ago
What was so hard about having a dedicated and clearly indicated register where you could take your product, wait in a line and get the hell out of there? Far too conventional was it?
Every employee is a register. Need to pay for something? Hit the queue button on the iPad and the register comes to you. Suddenly instead of one single long register line you have many registers with much smaller lines.
The same principle as distributed computing, multithreading or torrents. Way more efficient.
100 months ago
I absolutely love impatience. It is probably my 2nd favorite trait in people, after stupidity. It always gets people into trouble, and it is fun to watch! What the hell is so damn important that you need an iPad right this second and cannot wait 1-2 weeks for one?
+1.I'll add an LOL to that!
100 months ago
Sounds like they need more staff not something to use as an excuse to have less.
Where would they fit more staff. Apple has the highest personnel density of any store in town.
100 months ago
Won't solve anything? Let's wait and see.
Not at all. It was too slow. Whether you think the new way is cool or not, it does work better in heavy volume situations, which in my experience is the norm at an Apple store.
It's too bad that you never shop there anymore. As you may have read, they are really hurting for your business.
and this won't change my opinion. Apple tried so hard to be cool and hip by removing the cash register that I never shop there now. This won't solve anything. You'll just have people fighting over an iPad to push their queue button then everyone hanging around it in erratic groups waiting for attention.
What was so hard about having a dedicated and clearly indicated register where you could take your product, wait in a line and get the hell out of there? Far too conventional was it?
Not at all. It was too slow. Whether you think the new way is cool or not, it does work better in heavy volume situations, which in my experience is the norm at an Apple store.
It's too bad that you never shop there anymore. As you may have read, they are really hurting for your business.
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