Apple Adds Genius Bar Reservations to Product Support Options

Friday November 7, 2014 8:01 PM PST by Husain Sumra
Apple has updated its Support website, adding the option for users to schedule Genius Bar appointments at their local Apple retail stores within the Support site. Previously, users had to navigate to their local Apple Store's page to make appointments.

applesupport
The new option, first spotted by 9to5Mac, is presented after a user defines what kind of problem they're having with a particular product. Users are then prompted to enter their location and are given a choice of what Apple Store they'd like to visit. However, the option isn't available for all issues. For example, users having battery issues with an iPad can make a Genius Bar reservation while users looking for help manually syncing their iPad to iTunes cannot.

In the last year, Apple has been overhauling its online support infrastructure, revamping its AppleCare website and chat interface. This is the latest move in the company's efforts to streamline its support and make it as simple as possible for customers to seek solutions for potential problems.

42 comments

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MH01
68 months ago

They are. Every new Apple store that opens, adds a genius bar.


they do not open that many new stores!

The growth of new fans is far greater than the stores opening ;)
Rating: 3 Votes
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charlituna
68 months ago

Nice improvement .

Though it's getting harder and harder to book an appointment, the places go very fast. Apple having grown might want to have a look at putting in place more genius bars to cope with the demand.


Putting in more genius bars sounds easy but it's not. They can't nod and have a space, staff etc.

pushing the schedule option to only certain issues is actually a good thing. Many issues don't really need a Genius Bar they can be solved via chat or simply following a set of instructions at home. And they can filter out appointments for things like "I forgot my yahoo password" which isn't a GB issue
Rating: 2 Votes
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bushido
68 months ago
Initially i always assumed its great to have crowded Apple Stores but I've had to go there 3 times last month because of an rMBP issue and they barely ever had any appointments free and the hotline was always on hold for 8+ people.

Makes you kinda wonder if apple products are really that great if so many people have issues with them ;) not hating or anything, just something i find interesting. i suppose on the other hand you dont see it with other computer brands so obvious because they dont have their own dedicated stores.
Rating: 2 Votes
Avatar
MH01
68 months ago
Nice improvement .

Though it's getting harder and harder to book an appointment, the places go very fast. Apple having grown might want to have a look at putting in place more genius bars to cope with the demand.
Rating: 2 Votes
Avatar
SimonTheSoundMa
68 months ago
I've been watching two Apple Stores by me like a hawk for a Genius Bar appointment, been fully booked for 4 weeks. I managed to get one slot a week ago to go next week, only been watching for 3 weeks. Can't do a Quick Drop any more.

rMBP with a dead fan.

Customer service is so terrible these days.

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Aside from adding stores, I think they are expanding existing ones. My local store closed temporarily, then reopened twice as big.

One by me (Bullring, Birmingham) has got stupid. The Genius Bar has moved outside of the shop, two Genius staff now stand behind a temporary barrier giving iOS support.

It appears many appointments are taken up with iOS problems, dropped phone or people that have no idea how to do menial things.
Rating: 1 Votes
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ricci
68 months ago

This would be nice if there was an Apple Store near me. I'm in an area (Space Coast/Brevard County, Florida) that would likely have an Apple Store, but I have to drive an hour to Orlando to get to a store. This area has expected an Apple Store for over 7 years now.

I just do my own repairs now (unless it's still under warranty).




Buy more Apple stuff!!! Tell your friends and neighbors BUY MORE APPLE!!!!
" buy, and they will come " Amen!!!
Rating: 1 Votes
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slu
68 months ago
Even if you have an appointment, you end up waiting 30 minutes. Their system sucks or they need more people. I loathe going to the Apple Store.
Rating: 1 Votes
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charlituna
68 months ago

Initially i always assumed its great to have crowded Apple Stores but I've had to go there 3 times last month because of an rMBP issue and they barely ever had any appointments free and the hotline was always on hold for 8+ people.

Makes you kinda wonder if apple products are really that great if so many people have issues with them ;) not hating or anything, just something i find interesting. i suppose on the other hand you dont see it with other computer brands so obvious because they dont have their own dedicated stores.


My boyfriend works at Apple at the Genius Bar (in Los Angeles even) and says 70% of their iPhone/iPad appointments are: physical damage, how tos, issues with third party apps or services. Another 10% or so are tampered products, about 5 % are gunk on ports or frayed cables that probably shouldn't be covered. Of the remaining 15% many of the ‘defects’ are natural wear and tear like three year old batteries or speakers wearing out.
Rating: 1 Votes
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