Apple Store

What It’s Like to Work at the Apple Store

Apple stores are world-renowned beacons of retail success. Their architectural design and aesthetic feel set Apple apart from 99% of the retail market. When you walk into an Apple store, the atmosphere is bright, airy, clean, and filled with happy geeks that are willing to assist you.

But what's life like behind the white and metallic walls that house Apple's retail employees? The Wall Street Journal has combed through leaked Apple training manuals and interviewed former Apple employees. Here are some of the findings...

Unlocked iPhone 4 Now Available in Apple Online Store

We reported a recent rumor that Apple was going to start selling factory unlocked versions of the iPhone 4 in its U.S. retail stores this Wednesday, and that rumor has already come true.

Already, both the 16GB and 32GB GSM versions of the iPhone 4 are available as unlocked devices on Apple's online store. Sources still confirm that the devices will hit retail locations across the country tomorrow.

Upcoming Hamburg Apple Store Has A Change Of Heart, Turns To Windows

Apple's iconic Apple Stores are known around the world, so much so that they stand out on the crowed streets even while they're still under construction. Shrouded in black, there is no doubting when an Apple retail location is in the process of being put together behind closed doors.

That is, unless it has a great big Microsoft Windows logo stuck to the side of it...

Apple Store App Updated With New Configure Options and Better In-Store Support

Apple made a pretty big revamp to its retail experience over this past weekend. What sites have started calling "Apple Store 2.0" now features interactive iPad displays for each product and enhancements for customer and Apple employee interaction.

Alongside Apple Store 2.0, Apple has updated its official Apple Store app with a few enhancements. You can now configure a new Mac with specific customizations (like on Apple's website), and do things like see how many people are in front of you in line at your local Apple store...

Is Apple Planning a Major Product Launch for Its Retail Stores 10th Anniversary?

Apple Retail stores were initially met with some criticism. A lot of skeptics didn't think that Apple would sell enough products to turn enough profit to cover the expensive property taxes on posh locations like the Fifth Avenue store.

However, several years and locations later, the stores continue to be a success. The retail chain devoted specifically to selling and educating folks on Apple products is coming up on its 10th anniversary and BGR is claiming they've heard Apple's planning something huge...

Apple Offering Free iOS Repairs Following Japan Tragedy

A heart warming story is traveling around the tech blogs today surrounding the often criticized Cupertino company's recent actions in Japan. No, this isn't more bad news concerning Apple part suppliers mistreating employees.

A TUAW reader sent the the blog a tip that Apple is offering free repair services for Mac users who were affected by the tsunami and earthquake earlier this year. According to the company's Japanese website, they are offering free repair on any Mac, iPhone, iPad or iPod touch that was damaged in the disaster...

White iPhone 4 Now Available

Following yesterday's official announcement from Apple regarding the release of the white iPhone 4 today, Apple is now offering white iPhone 4 in its online store.

You can now order this bad boy through Apple's store in both 16GB and 32GB storage capacities. The current shipping time is 3-5 business days. If you would rather not wait that long, you can always run down to your nearest Apple, AT&T, or Verizon Wireless store to pick one up!

Apple Teams Up With Square to Sell Mobile Credit Card Reader

The mobile payment industry has been rapidly developing. Companies like Square are starting to offer transaction services for payments through smartphones like the iPhone.

Square allows you to receive credit card transactions on the iPhone through their app and plug-in reader device. Apple is now selling Square readers in its online and retail stores. An interesting move, considering the iPhone 5 could have built-in NFC technology...

Apple Really Doesn’t Want You to Use Cydia in Their Stores

If you connect to an Apple Store wifi network and try to go to Cydia, you'll get a nice little surprise. Instead of loading Cydia as it is supposed to do, you will be redirected to Apple's own website.

I think it's kind of a funny way for Apple to let you know they're watching you and won't let you pwn them in their own store...

Angry Birds iPhone Cases Now Available Online and in Apple Stores

It's no secret that we here at iDB love Angry Birds. One of the most universally recognized games in the App Store, Angry Birds has made quite the name for itself with press and merchandise. You can already get your very own Angry Birds plush toy, and now you can have an Angry Birds iPhone case.

About a month ago, we reported on the rumor that Angry Birds iPhone cases were only in development for a UK carrier. This does not seem to be the case, as official Angry Birds cases have been made available for purchase by Gear4 in partnership with the makers of Angry Birds...

Guy Walks Into a Bar, Finds a White iPhone 4

I'm so sick of white iPhone 4 rumors, yet here I am writing about one. Apparently, another white iPhone 4 has been spotted in public. This time, the mythical device was allegedly spotted at bar (how ironic).

There have been dozens of proposed reasons for the infamous white iPhone 4 delay. The most popular rumor has been that there is an issue with the white paint coating from the production line.

Whatever the reason, the official release has been delayed several times. It was "available" for a short time on the Apple Store before it was pulled. The device has been allegedly caught on tape, and legitimately spotted in public...

iPhone 4 Now Shipping Within 24 Hours

Kids these days. Back in my day, we were fortunate if we got one hot meal a day. Back in my day we had to walk 12 miles to school, in the snow, with no shoes! Back in my day we had to wait a whole month for an iPhone 4!

Well, well, well, what do we have here? It only took a hair over 5 months, but the iPhone 4 has now officially caught up with demand. In fact, if you wanted one today, Apple says they can have one shipped out to you within 24 hours. Now fess up. Who here still hasn't ordered their iPhone 4?