We have received images of a white building under construction behind the Yerba Buena Center of the Arts, the venue for Apple’s ‘Spring Forward’ event on March 9th. The tipster said that security guards are patrolling the scene, wearing ‘Apple Security’ shirts, confirming the connection between the building and Apple.
Apple built a similar external structure for the Apple Watch’s original unveiling in September, which acted as a demo hall for the products (iPhone 6 and Apple Watch) that Apple had announced at the event prior. Given the similarities, it is likely that this is the purpose of this new building as well.
It is worth noting, however, that in the past Apple has simply used side rooms inside Yerba Buena for its demo areas. Unlike the Flint Center, previous events show that there is space for indoor demos if Apple wanted to use it.
More images after the break …
The Apple event on March 9th is Apple’s opportunity to explain more in-depth about the Apple Watch features and model offerings. Recently, Tim Cook has teased that the product will not only be able to replace car fobs, but also is somewhat water-resistant — as the CEO uses his own Watch ‘in the shower‘. Firm details on pricing and availability are also expected to be announced. There is also a chance that the company will talk about other software and hardware as well.
Apple has already announced it will be live streaming the event. Find full coverage of all the announcements on 9to5Mac.
Update: Another picture of the construction has been uploaded to Instagram:
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It’s for the Car.
Obviously.
No doubt its a demo area, but my guess is that this space will also be a preview of the new design for the Apple’s retail stores. Perhaps the “VIP” area that the new yorker published in the article about jony ive.
Was that VIP area a for sure thing? If Apple was redoing their stores wouldn’t we see some signs of that by now?