If you’re looking to snag an iPhone 12, it just got a bit easier, especially in an odd year.
Apple has launched 20 new “express” stores in the U.S. and Europe, aiming to keep customers and staff safe during the pandemic as the iPhone 12 hits store shelves.
The company is expanding a new physical store format to help customers purchase the new smartphone while keeping both customers and staff safe from COVID-19 exposure. COVID-19 cases have been rising in both the United States and Europe.
“It’s a swifter way for us to serve customers,” Deirdre O’Brien, the senior Vice President of retail and people at Apple, told Reuters. “It allows us to maintain all the appropriate social distancing and maintain all of our health protocols within our stores.”
Apple has stated that it hopes to expand the “express” store format to 50 throughout the U.S. and Europe by the end of the month.
The stores feature a wall built in front of the main store with sales counters protected by plexiglass. There are also a few shelves of accessories, such as phone cases and AirPods, that customers can choose from while checking out.
Customers will need to make an appointment to either pick up orders placed online or schedule an appointment with Apple’s Genius Bar.
iPhone 12 preorders began on October 16, with shipments and in-store purchases beginning today.
Stay tuned for additional details as they become available.
Via AppleInsider and Reuters