Work has begun on Apple's massive new retail store in Manhattan's historic Grand Central Terminal as the company works quickly to try to open the store in time for the holiday shopping season. As noted at last month's approval for the project, Apple will be able to move forward on a very tight construction timetable due to the fact that only minimal changes to the building itself are permitted.
Earlier this month, one MacRumors reader passed along a photo showing the closed off stairway to the former Metrazur restaurant where the Apple retail store is being constructed, suggesting that at least preparatory work was underway to close the restaurant and turn the site over to Apple's contractors.
Another reader has now passed along new photos showing work underway, and while the view from the concourse below the store is primarily of scaffolding and plastic tarps, it is clear that things are moving forward.
We've been told by an employee at Grand Central Terminal that crews have already demolished the kitchen area of the former Metrazur restaurant and are working to turn it into a storage room for the Apple retail store.
In addition, Apple has reportedly indicated that it is planning to open the store in time for the "Black Friday" shopping rush, which falls on the day after Thanksgiving in the United States and represents the kickoff to the holiday shopping season. Black Friday falls on November 25th this year, and Apple is said to possibly be shooting for a grand opening on November 12th, in line with the previously-reported four-month construction timeframe with respect to last month's project approval.
Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie.
"Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by Joe Rossignol
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps.
The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future.
To set up the...
Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by Joe Rossignol
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more.
Apple is expected to release/update the following products...
New MacBook Pro models with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips could arrive as soon as Monday, March 2, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman.
In today's "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that the release of new MacBook Pro models is tied to the release of macOS Tahoe 26.3. The launch is said to be slated for as early as the week of March 2. He added that the M4 Pro and M4 Max models on sale today...
Thursday February 5, 2026 12:22 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple plans to announce the iPhone 17e on Thursday, February 19, according to Macwelt, the German equivalent of Macworld.
The report, citing industry sources, is available in English on Macworld.
Apple announced the iPhone 16e on Wednesday, February 19 last year, so the iPhone 17e would be unveiled exactly one year later if this rumor is accurate. It is quite uncommon for Apple to unveil...
What a brain-dead idea by Apple. Taking a very historic and iconic terminal in NYC and putting their awful gaudy glass monstrosity-type store there. It is going to look out of place, it is going to be an eye sore for people who visit and commute, and by the way Apple, you already have four stores in Manhattan alone, one just a 10 minute walk from Grand Central. Is this one really necessary?
The only reason they are letting this even go forward is because Apple has more money than they know what to do with, and have forked over obscene amounts of money for this space.
I for one, even being a fan of Apple products, will never visit this store. I travel through Grand Central Terminal everday; this store is going to look SO out of place it is not even funny.
so you joined the site just for that ? great start
