Apple’s online store down a few hours ahead of the WWDC23 opening keynote. The Cupertino company could announce several new hardware products at the event.
Alongside the 15-inch MacBook Air and new Mac Studio, Apple will also unveil iOS 17, iPadOS 17 and watchOS 10.
Apple plans to open at least 24 new stores worldwide through 2027, focusing on expanding its retail presence in Asia and Europe.
Additionally, Apple will revamp or relocate six stores in Asia, nine in Europe, and 13 in the United States.
May 19, 2001: Apple revolutionizes the world of computer shopping by opening its first two Apple Stores. Located in Tysons Corner, Virginia, and Glendale, California, the new outlets represent the culmination of a long-term dream for Apple.
A couple of decades later, Apple will expand its retail operations to include 525 stores in 26 countries and regions around the world. Like virtually every other brick-and-mortar store, they will face challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2020. However, they remain some of the most profitable retail outlets anywhere on a dollars-per-square-foot basis.
May 18, 2006: The world — and, more specifically, the Apple-watching press — gets its first glimpse of the swanky new Fifth Avenue Apple store in New York City.
Hidden behind a black plastic wrapper during development, that all changes a day before the store’s grand opening. Workers remove the covering to reveal a 32-foot glass cube adorned with a floating, white Apple logo. At 10 a.m., members of the press get an exclusive tour of the new venue.
Vietnam is the latest country to get an online Apple store to shop for iPhone, Mac and other products.
It’s the latest move in the company’s efforts to increase sales in Asia — Thursday’s opening comes a month after Apple opened its first retail stores in India.
May 15, 2001: Steve Jobs flips the script on the dreadful experience of computer shopping, unveiling an ambitious plan to open 25 innovative Apple stores across the United States.
The first two Apple stores, located at Tysons Corner in McLean, Virginia, and the Glendale Galleria in Glendale, California, are set to open later that week. But this new Apple initiative is about much more than just a couple of retail outlets. It’s a radical reinvention of tech retail that will change the way computers get sold.
Apple’s Maryland store became the company’s first retail store to unionize earlier this year. This was despite Apple’s best efforts to head off all unionization attempts.
The store employees are now demanding a 10% hike in their pay, overtime policies and more time off. More importantly, they also want Apple to allow consumers to tip retail employees.
Apple previewed MixC Shenzhen Wednesday, showing off its second retail store to open in China’s third most-populous city after Shanghai and Beijing.
“We are very excited to open a beautiful new Apple Store in Shenzhen and deepen our connection with the local community,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail.
“At Apple, we’re constantly innovating to deliver the best possible experience for our customers, and our incredible team members in Shenzhen can’t wait to welcome them when doors open on Friday,” she added.
Apple’s first retail store in India opened its doors to shoppers Tuesday, and CEO Tim Cook showed up to celebrate. Apple BKC — housed in an energy-efficient structure with some stunning architectural details — is located inside Jio World Drive, a huge shopping complex in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
The Indian store opening marks an important milestone for Apple, as it seeks to expand its retail and manufacturing presence in the world’s most populous country.
Apple is finally ready to open its first retail store in India on April 18. And it will open its second store in the country just two days later.
The openings come after years of delay as Apple tried to establish a direct retail presence in the Asian country.
