Apple Store

Apple Store app to be redesigned with free iTunes content in iPhone sales push

Cody Lee ∙ July 20, 2013

Apple will release a new version of its Apple Store application for the iPhone and iPod touch next week, according to a new report. The update will include a redesigned interface and a handful of new features, including free downloadable iTunes content.

The move is said to be part of Tim Cook's goal to sell more iPhones direct from Apple's direct sales channels. Apparently, the plan is to get the app installed on as many device's as possible so that more people are exposed to the company's choice products...

Could Apple Stores sell more iPhones?

Ed Sutherland ∙ July 17, 2013

Can Apple more than triple the percent of iPhones sold at its retail stores, pumping up sales of its flagship smartphone?

While CEO Tim Cook is pushing the idea, some observers question whether the goal of selling half of all iPhones in Apple Stores is in fact attainable.

The Apple CEO says he'd like in-store sales of iPhones - now at fifteen percent - to match the fifty percent of handsets serviced by Apple Store Geniuses. Currently, around 90 percent of iPhones are purchased either through U.S. carriers or third-party resellers...

German online Apple Store now accepts PayPal

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 22, 2013

Although Apple has long offered PayPal as a payment option in the United States for both digital consumer sales on iTunes and volume software purchases by education customers, the firm never instituted paying for online store purchases using PayPal.

That's ostensibly changing now as users in Germany now report being able to complete purchases on their localized online Apple Store using their PayPal account.

It remains unclear why exactly Apple enabled the feature in Germany (could be part of the broader Apple Store changes), but the move could signal a staggered worldwide roll-out...

Online Apple Store gets Father’s Day revamp

Christian Zibreg ∙ May 22, 2013

After being down for nearly four hours, Apple last night tweaked its online Apple Store with a cleaner look and Father's Day gift promotion.

Gone are the navigation columns on the left and right sides to make room for product teasers that now occupy the entire width of the page.

As part of the redesign, key product hubs (the Mac, iPad, iPhone and iPod) are now lined up horizontally across the store's top and the images are now larger. And because Father's Day is drawing near, Apple now prominently features its iPhone 5 and iPads on the store’s homepage...

Consumer Reports again rates Apple best in tech support

Ed Sutherland ∙ Updated May 16, 2018

Apple once again is rated best at providing technical support to consumers, according to Consumer Reports, an influential American magazine published monthly by Consumers Union since 1936. This year's overall score of 86 out of 100 topped Apple's 2012 rating, the publication announced.

Additionally, Apple's retail Geek Bar solved nearly 90 percent of tech problems, higher than Best Buy's lookalike Geek Squad bars. The iPhone maker produced the highest survey results, outstripping its nearest competitor, Lenovo, which scored 63. Apple's success was due to a number of factors, according to the Consumer Reports survey...

The online Apple Store, now with iOS touch-friendly navigation

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 5, 2013

Apple's online store has over time implemented a bunch of tweaks aimed at improving navigation and browsing product pages on Apple's mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad.

For instance, I've always liked the ability to swipe through teaser images on landing pages for specific products.

Here's an example: fire up Safari on your iPhone or iPad, visit www.apple.com/iphone and swipe through those big, beautiful product shots at the top. But the company isn't stopping there.

Having recently hired dozens of engineers, visual designers and web developers, Apple has now introduced a fresh set of tweaks to the online Apple Store, including the touch-friendly navigation bar which appears right below the main product sections (iPod, iPad etc.)...

Apple reportedly partnering with Barclays on Apple Store $99 T-Mobile iPhone 5

Christian Zibreg ∙ April 2, 2013

Apple's been experimenting with installment payments in emerging markets for some time now. For example, installment payments coupled with increased marketing helped quadruple Apple's single-digit iPhone market share in India. And in China, the online Apple Store offers 1, 3, 6 and 12 payment installment options with no interest, thanks to Apple's partnership with China Merchants Bank.

That being said, in what appears to be another effort to improve its standing in the US market, Apple has reportedly partnered with Barclay's to offer a no-interest option on T-Mobile iPhone 5 sales at Apple Stores...

Apple’s new US iPhone promotion offers free next day shipping on all models

Cody Lee ∙ March 25, 2013

Since Samsung unveiled its Galaxy S4 handset earlier this month, Apple has been on an iPhone marketing blitz. In addition to its two new iPhone ads, it's also posted a 'Why iPhone' page on its website and launched an email campaign.

And today, it continues the push with a new iPhone promotion for US customers. Effective immediately, the company is offering free next day shipping on all of its iPhone models ordered through its online webstore, regardless of price...

Apple now offering refurbished 16GB iPad minis for $299

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Folks thinking about buying an iPad mini, but just can't get over the tablet's exorbitant $330+ price tag, will be happy to hear that you can now get one for less than $300 from Apple's web store.

The company began offering a handful of refurbished iPad mini models, alongside fourth-gen iPads, earlier this month. And they've just added black and white 16GB Wi-Fi-only models to the mix...

Apple now offering refurbished 4th gen iPads and iPad minis

Cody Lee ∙ Updated January 26, 2016

Good news today for folks looking to score a fourth gen iPad, or iPad mini, on the cheap. Apple has, for the first time, listed refurbished units of both of the tablets for sale on its website.

The discounts aren't significant—up to 9% off of minis, and 10% off of 4th-generation iPads, depending on the configuration—but they're good enough to knock $50 off of some models...

Google to open standalone retail stores this year

Cody Lee ∙ February 15, 2013

Once a highly valued partner, Google has spent the last few years moving in on Apple's territory. It's done it in the computer space, with its Chromebook OS, and in the smartphone space with Android. And now it looks like it's preparing to do the same thing in retail.

A new report is out this afternoon claiming that the Mountain View company is in the process of building standalone retail stores in the United States, in an effort to get its products into more hands. And its flagship locations could be ready by the holidays...

Apple wins trademarks for Apple Store design and layout

Cody Lee ∙ January 30, 2013

Apple Stores provide an unmistakable, unique shopping environment. The company has spent years perfecting the look and feel of its retail shops, with their large glass windows, clutter-free product tables and walls of accessories.

And it looks like Apple will now be able to protect all of that hard work with a few newly acquired trademarks. This past week, the US Patent and Trademark office granted the company trademarks on its retail design and layout...