You probably know Apple’s now-decades-old advertising slogan “think different.” There’s perhaps no better example of Apple’s willingness to think differently than when it chose to launch its one chain of retail stores.
The first Apple store opened in 2001, and Apple remains the only technology company to have its own extensive family of brick-and-mortar stores (though Microsoft most notably followed suit with its own retail locations, of which it currently operates about 100). You can visit one of the more than 500 locations to browse the latest Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and a host of other high-tech accessories.
The Apple Store architecture makes a strong visual statement. Designed to look like large glass cubes, stores eschew traditional retail floorplans and instead display products on large wooden tables amidst a completely open, walkable floorplan. Chairs invite customers to interact with demo products while you’ll generally find a cluster of comfortable sofas and chairs near the center of the store, where customers can wait for Apple Genius Bar technicians.
There are no checkout lines or registers; salespeople walk around the store and help customers check out using mobile devices. The result is a casual, upscale shopping experience.
Can I go to the Apple Store without booking an appointment?
You’d be forgiven for thinking that Apple Stores look like some sort of by-appointment-only upscale retailer, but the reality is that walk-in foot traffic is always welcome. The demo products (like iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and iMacs) displayed on the store’s iconic long wooden tables are available for anyone to play with, and sales staff generally let people explore the store on their own without exerting any sort of sales pressure.
There are some exceptions to the general walk-in policy. Apple Stores are also home to Apple Genius Bars, where customers can get assistance with products. The Genius Bar can accommodate a very limited number of walk-ins each day, but if you need technical support at an Apple Store, it’s a much better idea to schedule an appointment online before visiting the store. In addition, when new iPhones are released, the stores get so crowded that Apple generally schedules pickup times for pre-orders to prevent locations from being overrun with customers and creating a bad customer experience.
What’s for sale at Apple Stores?
Not surprisingly, you can buy all of Apple’s major products at any Apple Store. That includes iPhones, iPads, MacBooks and iMacs, as well as Apple Watches, AirPods, and Apple TVs.
Apple Stores are also stocked with common accessories: Apple Watch bands, iPhone cases, iPad keyboards and folio cases, and more.
But Apple also partners with some third-party brands, which means that Apple isn’t the only name you’ll find on boxes within the store. Apple stocks products from partners that complement Apple’s products, like Bluetooth accessories for iPhones and iPads, charging docks, and smart home accessories that work within Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem.
You can take a class at an Apple Store
Want to get the most out of a new Apple product? You can take classes at your local Apple Store as well. To see what classes are available in your local area, visit the Today at Apple webpage. Scroll to the bottom of the page, where you’ll find upcoming sessions in your region, or click the View Calendar button to see more options.
Common classes include “getting started” sessions for devices like the iPhone and iPad, workshops on using the Apple Pencil to draw and sketch on iPads, iPhone photography, and more.
These classes are free, but you should use the website to reserve a slot for the upcoming class to ensure there’s space.
Where can I find an Apple Store?
There are currently 529 Apple Store locations — 273 within the US alone. California is the state with the most Apple Stores (currently a total of 54), while 11 states (including Alaska, Maine, and Delaware) have just one store.
Apple Stores are often located within major shopping malls and shopping centers, though there are also standalone locations, such as Apple’s Fifth Avenue store in Manhattan. The Apple Store locator can help you find the nearest location.
You can get support at an Apple Store’s Genius Bar
Within every Apple Store, you’ll find a Genius Bar, or technical support that can perform a wide variety of repairs and service on iPhones, MacBooks, Apple Watches, and other devices. Many common repairs (like iPhone screen and battery replacements, for example) can even be done while you wait.
If you’re having a problem with an Apple product, though, don’t just drive directly to an Apple Store. Apple Support is available by phone or chat 24/7 and can troubleshoot many simple issues.
For in-person assistance, start by making an appointment at the Apple Genius Bar website, where you can describe your issue and pick an Apple Store location that’s convenient for you.
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