Apple Stores outside of Greater China now look unlikely to reopen on March 28 after Apple on Tuesday updated its notices to read “closed until further notice.”
A banner displayed at the top of the company’s website makes it clear to visitors that its retail locations are out of action for now. Apple insists, however, that it remains “committed to providing exceptional service to our customers.”
Apple made the decision to close all stores outside of Greater China on Saturday, March 14. It said at the time that the closure would extend through March 27, and its Temporary Retail Store Closures FAQ still shows that date.
It’s a different story elsewhere, however. Other notices on Apple’s website, which previously stated “retail stores are closed until March 27,” have been updated in an indication that Apple retail is preparing for extended downtime.
Apple Stores closed ‘until further notice’
“Our retail stores are closed until further notice,” the updated statements read. There is currently no word on how long the closures might be extended for. We’ve asked Apple for clarification and we’ll update when we get a reply.
The change is hardly surprising given the ongoing COVID-19 situation, which shows no sign of improvement in most territories. The virus continues to spread its reach, forcing people to stay at home whenever possible.
Apple was allowing customers in certain locations to collect devices that had already been ordered or repaired. However, its cutoff date for that was March 28, and the company is yet to extend it for customers who are still waiting.
For the foreseeable future, customers with Apple devices in need of repair will now need to find other third-party alternatives as the options are quickly dwindling. Apple’s Online Store is still open for new purchases.
