Apple’s retail stores in England are now closed as the country has entered a new national lockdown this morning. As a result of these new COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program is temporarily unavailable until at least December 2.
Apple has already informed iPhone Upgrade Program customers by email, via MacRumors, that they won’t be able to visit a store to upgrade their devices under the current restrictions. Unlike the United States, the iPhone Upgrade Program in England requires visiting an Apple Store.
According to 9to5Mac’s Michael Steeber, stores will reopen Friday with click-and-collect:
Apple’s Express storefronts allow customers to collect online orders at a safe and convenient pickup window. Browsing the store is not permitted and service is offered only with a reserved time slot. The click-and collect service allows for the same convenient pickup of orders and returns, but Genius support is unavailable.
Because Apple stores in England are currently operating only with Express Pickup windows at the entrance, Apple is unable to invite the iPhone Upgrade Program customers inside the store to complete their purchase.
England’s lockdown restrictions went into effect today and will last until December 2.