Apple Retail

Apple is set to open its first new Apple Store in three months in November. As reported by Michael Steeber in his Tabletops newsletter, Apple MixC Wenzhou will open on November 4 as the company’s 46th retail store in mainland China.

If you’ve purchased a new iPhone in the last several years, chances are you’ve been presented with a software update right out of the box. Bloomberg reports that Apple will soon deploy a new system to improve this experience, allowing iPhones to be updated wirelessly without being taken out of the box.

It’s Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 launch day, and Apple Stores across the world have been refreshed with new product displays. X user @_DynamicIsland_ shared some of the first shots of the new Series 9 display, and it’s kind of incredible.

Apple is slowing the rate of raises it is giving to retail employees this year, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The report explains that Apple has revealed “average annual raises” of roughly 4% for this year, returning to what was normal before raises increased last year.

September has been an odd month for Apple in France. First there’s the whole iPhone 12 radiation kerfuffle. Now it appears that Apple Store employees in France will strike for the first 48 hours of the iPhone 15 launch.

As you probably know, Apple will be holding a special press event on September 12. And although Apple never shares details about the event in advance, it’s almost certain that we’ll see the announcement of the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9, as well as some new accessories. And it seems that we may see some of these products available in retail stores right after the event.

After launching its annual Back to School promo for the US in June, Apple has made the special deals available in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Depending on where you live, you’ll be eligible for up to a €150 (£130) gift card or a free pair of AirPods.

The great Apple Store knowledge base app Facades is out with a nice update just in time for the holiday weekend in the US. Version 1.2 introduces a range of enhancements, including new ways to browse locations and discover information.

Apple offers different financing options for customers buying new products, varying based on region. In Canada, you could finance a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac interest-free for up to 24 months. However, the company has quietly changed the financing terms offered in the country. From now on, all financing options have some interest rate.

If you have ever visited an Apple Retail Store, you have probably noticed that the employees have an iPhone that works as a point of sale (PoS). So far, this system runs on an iPhone XS, but Apple will soon replace these devices with brand new iPhone 14s to make the job a little easier.

On Friday, Apple announced its plans to appeal against a judge’s ruling that the company violated labor rights by interrogating employees about pro-union sympathizers and restricting the circulation of union flyers. In response, Apple says it disagrees with the complaints and says that “open, honest, and direct” communication is part of the company’s collaborative culture.

Apple launched an all-new retail experience with a big renovation of its very first location – Tysons Corner in Virginia last month. Now Apple has debuted its second new retail location to get its fresh aesthetic in London’s historic Battersea Power Station.

Apple has big plans to expand its already-impressive retail stores around the world. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple is planning to open additional stores in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and Canada over the next four years.

All images via Michael Steeber

Apple officially opened the relocated and reimagined Tysons Corner store today after news surfaced about the effort at the beginning of May. Coinciding with the first Apple Store’s 22nd anniversary, the space introduces an all-new in-store experience with the Genius Bar returning, rethought Avenues, accessibility improvements, more sustainable materials, and more. Check out a close look thanks to Michael Steeber.

Apple has also published a press release with a gallery of its own images from today’s grand opening.

The Apple Gangnam store in Samsung’s home city opened just over a month ago, and a new report says that the Korean company has ambitious plans to fight back.

It is said to be planning to open Samsung Gangnam, a store spanning six floors, as part of an effort “to counter Apple’s expansion strategy in the country” …

Apple is finally bringing its online store to shoppers in Vietnam. In a press release today, the company announced that it will officially launch the Apple Store online in Vietnam next week on Thursday, May 18. This launch has been highly anticipated by Apple fans in the country.

We learned at the beginning of the month that the very first Apple Store outside of Washington DC was not only getting a major renovation but also a new location. Now the company has officially announced that Apple Tysons Corner is getting its grand reopening on May 19.

Apple has been facing disputes with its retail workers in the US since some stores decided to unionize. This time, a unionized Apple Store in Maryland has been demanding something rather unusual. In addition to higher pay and additional time off, which is expected, the employees want to be able to receive tips from customers.

After opening its very first Apple Store location outside of Washington DC over two decades ago, Apple has announced that the Tysons Center store is not only getting a modern renovation but also a new location.

Following the launch of Apple Music Classical at the end of March, the company is set to hold a special concert this weekend at its beautiful Tower Theater store in LA. The performance by Candlelight concerts/Orchid Quartet will celebrate Apple Music Classical with an intimate experience including a range of iconic works.

April is turning into quite a month for new Apple Stores. Last week saw the launch of two new stores in India, and this week sees the opening of another in China: Apple MixC Shenzhen.

This latest addition is a mall store, whose design is virtually identical to the Apple Saket store opened last week – with the Cupertino company seemingly adopting a new standard feature for its retail outlets …