Apple is set to open its 56th retail location in Greater China on Saturday with the addition of Apple MixC Wenzhou. The newest Apple Store includes some new design elements.

These include a “reimagined” Genius Bar counter for tech support and a dedicated space away from the main shopping area for experiencing the Apple Watch.

Apple is set to open its first new Apple Store in three months in November. As reported by Michael Steeber in his Tabletops newsletter, Apple MixC Wenzhou will open on November 4 as the company’s 46th retail store in mainland China.

If you’ve purchased a new iPhone in the last several years, chances are you’ve been presented with a software update right out of the box. Bloomberg reports that Apple will soon deploy a new system to improve this experience, allowing iPhones to be updated wirelessly without being taken out of the box.

It’s Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 launch day, and Apple Stores across the world have been refreshed with new product displays. X user @_DynamicIsland_ shared some of the first shots of the new Series 9 display, and it’s kind of incredible.

Apple is slowing the rate of raises it is giving to retail employees this year, according to a new report from Bloomberg. The report explains that Apple has revealed “average annual raises” of roughly 4% for this year, returning to what was normal before raises increased last year.

September has been an odd month for Apple in France. First there’s the whole iPhone 12 radiation kerfuffle. Now it appears that Apple Store employees in France will strike for the first 48 hours of the iPhone 15 launch.

As you probably know, Apple will be holding a special press event on September 12. And although Apple never shares details about the event in advance, it’s almost certain that we’ll see the announcement of the iPhone 15 and Apple Watch Series 9, as well as some new accessories. And it seems that we may see some of these products available in retail stores right after the event.

After launching its annual Back to School promo for the US in June, Apple has made the special deals available in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Depending on where you live, you’ll be eligible for up to a €150 (£130) gift card or a free pair of AirPods.

The great Apple Store knowledge base app Facades is out with a nice update just in time for the holiday weekend in the US. Version 1.2 introduces a range of enhancements, including new ways to browse locations and discover information.

Apple offers different financing options for customers buying new products, varying based on region. In Canada, you could finance a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac interest-free for up to 24 months. However, the company has quietly changed the financing terms offered in the country. From now on, all financing options have some interest rate.

If you have ever visited an Apple Retail Store, you have probably noticed that the employees have an iPhone that works as a point of sale (PoS). So far, this system runs on an iPhone XS, but Apple will soon replace these devices with brand new iPhone 14s to make the job a little easier.

On Friday, Apple announced its plans to appeal against a judge’s ruling that the company violated labor rights by interrogating employees about pro-union sympathizers and restricting the circulation of union flyers. In response, Apple says it disagrees with the complaints and says that “open, honest, and direct” communication is part of the company’s collaborative culture.

Apple launched an all-new retail experience with a big renovation of its very first location – Tysons Corner in Virginia last month. Now Apple has debuted its second new retail location to get its fresh aesthetic in London’s historic Battersea Power Station.

Apple has big plans to expand its already-impressive retail stores around the world. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple is planning to open additional stores in the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East, the United States, and Canada over the next four years.

All images via Michael Steeber

Apple officially opened the relocated and reimagined Tysons Corner store today after news surfaced about the effort at the beginning of May. Coinciding with the first Apple Store’s 22nd anniversary, the space introduces an all-new in-store experience with the Genius Bar returning, rethought Avenues, accessibility improvements, more sustainable materials, and more. Check out a close look thanks to Michael Steeber.

Apple has also published a press release with a gallery of its own images from today’s grand opening.

The Apple Gangnam store in Samsung’s home city opened just over a month ago, and a new report says that the Korean company has ambitious plans to fight back.

It is said to be planning to open Samsung Gangnam, a store spanning six floors, as part of an effort “to counter Apple’s expansion strategy in the country” …

Apple is finally bringing its online store to shoppers in Vietnam. In a press release today, the company announced that it will officially launch the Apple Store online in Vietnam next week on Thursday, May 18. This launch has been highly anticipated by Apple fans in the country.

We learned at the beginning of the month that the very first Apple Store outside of Washington DC was not only getting a major renovation but also a new location. Now the company has officially announced that Apple Tysons Corner is getting its grand reopening on May 19.

Apple has been facing disputes with its retail workers in the US since some stores decided to unionize. This time, a unionized Apple Store in Maryland has been demanding something rather unusual. In addition to higher pay and additional time off, which is expected, the employees want to be able to receive tips from customers.

After opening its very first Apple Store location outside of Washington DC over two decades ago, Apple has announced that the Tysons Center store is not only getting a modern renovation but also a new location.

Following the launch of Apple Music Classical at the end of March, the company is set to hold a special concert this weekend at its beautiful Tower Theater store in LA. The performance by Candlelight concerts/Orchid Quartet will celebrate Apple Music Classical with an intimate experience including a range of iconic works.

April is turning into quite a month for new Apple Stores. Last week saw the launch of two new stores in India, and this week sees the opening of another in China: Apple MixC Shenzhen.

This latest addition is a mall store, whose design is virtually identical to the Apple Saket store opened last week – with the Cupertino company seemingly adopting a new standard feature for its retail outlets …

Apple recently confirmed that the first Apple Retail Store in India would be opened later this month. Now the company has confirmed that Apple BKC in Mumbai will open to the public on April 18. But more than that, Apple has also announced a second store in the country that will open on April 20, just two days after the first one.

Apple Stores are no strangers to having products stolen, but usually, thieves are only able to escape with a small number of devices. That wasn’t the case for a recent break-in at an Apple Store in Washington, during which thieves successfully stole over $500,000 worth of Apple products…

Earlier this week, Apple shared some photos of its new retail store in South Korea’s Gangnam District. Now the company’s fourth store in the Asian country is finally open to the public, and it welcomes customers with a unique glass facade that changes appearance during the day.

The opening of Apple’s first retail in India has been years in the making and has faced countless delays. According to a new report from the Economic Times, however, Apple is finally on track to open its flagship store in India sometime in April.

An Apple Store in Charlotte, North Carolina, was yesterday closed with immediate effect. It follows three recent shootings at the Northlake Mall location, the most recent of them the previous day.

Neither staff nor customers were told about the closure until the day it happened …

We learned in a December report from CIRP that most iPhone purchases in the US end up happening at carriers. But what about when you consider iPad and Mac, do the numbers change? In a study to answer the question ‘How powerful is the Apple Store?’ the latest CIRP research shows where most people buy iPhone, iPad, and Mac in the US.

Apple has begun hiring for a new Apple Store in Malaysia, which would potentially be the first time the company has added a new country to its retail store network since 2018. Potentially, because it’s as yet unclear whether the first Indian store might open beforehand.

Oddly, the job listings don’t specify where in the country the store will be opening, but the capital, Kuala Lumpur (shown above), would be the obvious choice …

Apple Store employee efforts to unionize have been growing and along with that, Apple has been accused of illegal union-busting tactics. Now after pressure from a coalition of investors, Apple has shared that it will undergo a third-party audit to check if it is complying with its human rights policies.

Tension between Apple Store employees and the company has continued to grow throughout 2022 with formal complaints being filed that illegal union-busting tactics have been used. The latest allegation sees union group CWA file a complaint with the US National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) claiming that Apple created a pseudo-union led by “bosses” to stop employees from forming a union led by employees.

Apple Store staff working in a newly designed store in a London shopping mall have unionized. They say they are seeking a pay raise, pay transparency, improvements to shift work, and less focus on metrics when assessing their work.

Apple Store aficionado Michael Steeber has described the new store design as “unprecedented” …

As part of continued unionization efforts and negotiations, Apple Store workers in Australia are set to go on another strike later this month. This comes following a brief but notable strike in October, where 150 of the 400 Apple Store employees in the country went on strike for an hour.

The National Labor Relations Board’s Atlanta regional director has concluded that Apple anti-union tactics deployed in the Atlanta store broke the law. The company’s actions led to a planned unionization bid being abandoned after what was described as “intense union-busting” by Apple.

The next stage in the National Labor Relations Board investigation will be for a panel of NLRB judges to rule on the matter …

Apple employees at the St. Louis Galleria store were the latest to move toward unionization last month. However, one week after submitting interest to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), the group abandoned the plan. An initial announcement from the IAM cited “increased hostility” from Apple as the reason for the U-turn, however, now the Apple employees themselves have spoken up about why the majority changed their minds.

Apple today officially opened its latest retail store in the United States, located in the massive American Dream mall in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The new store features the latest design we’ve seen at other new Apple Store locations around the world recently, and today’s grand opening drew a massive crowd…

Apple has been sued after last week’s fatal Apple Store crash in Hingham, Massachusetts, in which one person was killed, and 20 others were injured, some of them seriously …

Last week we heard the latest Apple Store moving toward unionization was in St. Louis. With what seemed like strong enthusiasm from employees and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) as the representation, an official filing to start the bid to unionize was made with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Just seven days later, the Apple Store employees have made a U-turn and dropped the effort, at least for now.

An SUV drove through the glass of an Apple Store in Massachusetts this morning in what one Fire Marshall says may have been an “intentional” act. Details aren’t fully clear on injuries, but sadly multiple people have been taken to the emergency room with one person dying because of the incident.

The latest group of Apple Store employees looking to unionize are in St. Louis, Missouri. The group has partnered with the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) which has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board for a vote on unionization.

Following up on his amazing app experience “Apple Store Time Machine,” Apple Retail aficionado Michael Steeber is back with a new app for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. With a beautiful UI, Facades makes it easy to “browse, discover, and bookmark a catalog of every current and former Apple Store.”

As unionization efforts continue around the globe at Apple Stores, a notable moment has occurred in Scotland. The Glasgow Apple Store has become the first location in the UK to see a majority of employees vote for unionization.

The Apple unionization movement is taking place at a time when union membership is at an all-time low, but public support for unions is at the highest point seen since 1965.

While Apple is fighting hard against Apple Store staff forming and joining unions, a large-scale survey earlier this year suggests that embracing unions could help staff retention …

A second Apple Store in the United States has officially voted to unionize. A majority of workers at the Apple Store in Oklahoma City voted in favor of unionizing on Friday and will join the Communications Workers of America union.

This comes on the heels of Apple rolling out new benefits to retail and corporate workers earlier this week, but those benefits will be withheld from stores where employees have unionized.

There’s a growing number of Apple Store workers around the world pushing to unionize, and one store in Maryland has already made the jump. Now, a group of Apple retail workers in Australia has voted to strike next week as they battle with Apple to get the company to agree to a deal and endorse their unionization.

In a similar vein, a new report from Bloomberg today says that Apple will “withhold its latest employee perks” from the unionized retail store in Maryland.

Apple has seen a growing amount of negative feedback from its retail staff this year about working conditions and compensation in its retail stores. Efforts to unionize have ranged from its NYC Grand Central store to Atlanta, Oklahoma, Glasgow, UK, and more. Now the US Labor Board has issued an official complaint against Apple in NYC.

The state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II takes place on September 19, and all UK Apple Stores will be closed on that date, as a mark of respect.

The date has been declared a bank holiday, the UK equivalent of a federal holiday, with most employees entitled to take the day off …

The Apple Store union established at the Towson, Maryland, store has issued surveys asking staff what they would like to be the priorities when it comes to negotiating with the company. The detailed list gives a good insight into the sources of dissatisfaction among retail employees …

The Apple Store union battle has now expanded to Australia, with a series of Zoom briefings organized by Apple Together. It previously reached the UK.

Apple is still attempting to talk retail staff out of joining a union, though it has now made its in-store anti-union briefings “voluntary” …

Last year, Apple agreed to pay retail workers in California $30 million to settle a lawsuit over its bag check policy. That settlement has now been approved by a US District Court judge and will see workers receive an average payment of $1,328 while the lawyers in the case will rake in $10 million.

mophie is out with five new Apple accessories today from a sharp portable battery that can power up a MacBook to a new 4-port 120W GaN charger, to a fresh lineup of single and dual USB-C car chargers. Along with direct availability, the new accessories are all being sold by Apple.

Apple union-busting techniques have been described as “traumatic” by employees in the first Apple Store to unionize, Towson, Maryland.

They accuse Apple of failing to live up to its own human rights policy, and say that various threats were made to workers intending to join the union – including one who was told that the immigration assistance offered by the company could be withdrawn …

The long-awaited Apple Brompton Road store opening took place yesterday afternoon, bringing a third flagship Apple Store to London, after Covent Garden and Regent Street.

Since I had a 360/action cam to test (review to follow), I thought I’d give you a 360-degree video tour, supplemented by some photos provided by Apple …

Apple today officially reported its earnings for the third fiscal quarter of 2022, covering the second calendar quarter and the months of April, May, and June. A lot of eyes are on Apple as concerns mount over an economic downturn in the United States. Here’s what the company reported today.

For Q3 2022, Apple reported revenue of $83.0 billion and a profit of $19.4 billion. Earnings-per-share hit $1.20 for the quarter.

The Apple Store Online is currently down in China as Apple prepares for a big round of iPhone discounts in the country this weekend. As announced earlier this week, Apple is planning discounts on its iPhone models and accessories, as well as the Apple Watch and AirPods.

A preview of the new Apple Brompton Road store in London’s upmarket Knightsbridge shopping area shows off both the unique features of the space itself, and a number of Apple Store firsts. The store will be the fifth one in London, and the third flagship, alongside Covent Garden and Regent Street.

The store opens on Thursday, but the company has today previewed the space, with a series of photos and notable elements …

Ever wonder what the most iconic Apple Stores like the very first location, Apple Fifth Avenue, and Infinite Loop were like for their grand openings? Or maybe you were there and want to revisit the magic? Apple Retail aficionado Michael Steeber has put together his most impressive project yet, Apple Store Time Machine. It’s an amazingly immersive Mac app to experience and explore the most significant Apple Stores in incredible detail, exactly how they were on their grand openings.

A union representing some UK retail store staff says that Apple pay raises awarded recently actually amount to a pay cut after inflation is factored in.

The union noted that Apple’s revenue and profit both rose dramatically last year and also pointed to the increase in Tim Cook’s compensation.

An Apple Store robbery at London’s flagship Covent Garden store yesterday saw ‘at least’ 10 masked raiders steal thousands of pounds worth of products in a daylight raid. One report claimed that the robbers were armed.

Video footage captured from inside the store shows criminals fleeing, and one section of the clip shows a security guard grappling with a man outside the store.

London is to get a third flagship Apple Store, this one very close to the world-famous Harrods department store. Apple Brompton Road is located at a suitably prestigious location, which the Royal Institute of British Architects refers to as “the gateway to Knightsbridge.”

Knightsbridge is an upscale shopping area with many designer stores. These include Christian Louboutin, Gucci, Hermes, Jimmy Choo, and more. The store is directly opposite Harvey Nichols, another very well-known upmarket department store.

Apple last month launched its traditional Back to School campaign in the US and Canada. This year, the offer gives students and educators a free gift card of up to $150 for those who purchase eligible Mac and iPad models. Now it seems that Apple is getting ready to launch the campaign in Europe as well.

The National Labor Relations Board has certified the union election for Apple Store employees in Maryland. This certification comes 10 days after the Towson store became the first Apple retail location in the United States to vote to unionize.

The Apple Back to School promo has officially launched with the main change being the shift from free AirPods to a $150 gift card. Here’s a detailed look at everyone who is eligible (more than students and teachers/professors), how parents can use it, limits on the promo, how long it runs, which devices are included, and the best time to buy.

Apple has officially launched its 2022 Back to School promotion for students, educators, and staff. This year comes with a switch from offering free AirPods to including a free $150 gift card with select Mac purchases and $100 gift card on iPad Air and Pro purchases.

After several months of planning and organizing, an Apple Store in Maryland has become the first Apple retail location in the United States to vote to unionize. Employees at the Apple Store in Towson voted in favor of unionization today, with the final tally being 65 votes in favor and 33 votes in opposition.

Apple is bringing back free community programming to retail locations worldwide. Apple Camp is returning to Apple Stores, bringing free sessions to children and families each week from June 20 to August 31.

Apple Pickup spaces have been the most notable addition to Apple Stores for some considerable time. They offer a streamlined way to collect online orders from a retail store.

Former 9to5Mac writer Michael Steeber says that they offer something else: a rare glimpse at Apple’s design evolution process, played out in public …

The Communications Workers of America (CWA) is now supporting union organizing efforts at Apple’s Grand Central Station Store in New York City. Together with Fruit Stand Workers United (FSWU), the CWA and Workers United will help the flagship store in its ongoing work to form a union. In a press release, it was stated that Workers United is also the union behind the Starbucks Workers United campaign.

The Apple Store union movement has now crossed the Atlantic, as staff at an Apple Store in Glasgow, Scotland, have joined a union representing retail and other workers across the UK.

The union says that there is a huge disconnect between Apple’s claimed values and its treatment of retail staff …

Apple Retail employees have been planning to unionize in search of better working conditions. Although Apple has taken a stand against its employees unionizing, the company has now agreed to make work schedules more flexible at its retail stores amid union efforts.

As the fight to unionize within Apple Stores was heating up, one group is dropping its bid. Atlanta Apple Store employees are withdrawing their request for a union election, according to Bloomberg.

Apple Store pay is to be significantly increased as part of the company’s fight against unionization of retail store employees. Starting pay is being increased by almost 50% over 2018 levels.

The move follows an aggressive anti-union video by retail chief Deirdre O’Brien. The video, lasting over six minutes, was almost entirely focused on anti-union messaging …

As unionization efforts proceed at Apple Stores across the country, a fourth location has begun forming a union. The Apple Store at Oxmoor Center Mall in Louisville, Kentucky, has announced it is organizing a campaign, reported by Bloomberg Law.

Apple will soon open a brand new store in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as the company has opened positions in this location on the Apple Jobs site. This will be the company’s first new retail location in the US after almost a year.

This Saturday, Apple opened a new store in Wuhan, China – the first in the Hubei Province. It also inaugurates an exclusive pickup area never seen before in the country, which will allow customers to more easily pick up products ordered online.

Last month, Apple Store employees in Atlanta began the process of unionizing; today those same employees are accusing the tech giant of union busting. The Communications Workers of America is accusing Apple of violating the National Labor Relations Act. The company has been reportedly holding captive audience meetings to counter an ongoing union drive at the Cumberland Mall store.

At least two high-profile former Apple employees are assisting the unionization efforts of retail store employees, with additional advice from Google walkout organizers.

Former Apple software engineer Cher Scarlett, who organized a pay survey when she worked for the company, played a key role in the formation of Fruit Stand Workers United at the Grand Central Apple Store …

Apple Retail Stores are constantly used to promote Apple TV+ shows and movies, however, the company has now taken a more aggressive (and fun) approach. Some of the most popular Apple TV+ shows such as Severance and Ted Lasso have now come to life at The Grove Apple Store.

As employees at a growing number of Apple Store locations around the United States explore unionization options, Apple is ramping up its push to quell those attempts. A leaked memo obtained by Vice reveals the anti-union talking points that Apple has distributed to retail store leaders in an effort to dissuade their employees from unionizing.

We’ve been seeing growing interest in the formation of Apple Store unions by retail staff, frustrated by stagnant wages at a time of rising inflation, or other working conditions issues.

The prospect of unionization is one which often fills management with fear. This isn’t surprising given the confrontational nature of most management-union relationships. But there is a much more cooperative model out there, and Apple currently has a golden opportunity to adopt it …

The feeling of unionizing is spreading through Apple retails as employees from a third store launched a union drive this Tuesday. The employees at Maryland’s Towson Mall say they want a voice on COVID-19 safety, scheduling, pay, and other topics, according to a news story.

Apple has been slowing the hiring of Geniuses at some retail stores. While not on an actual hiring freeze, those close to the matter report Genius positions are not being filled after employee departures. Seen as a cost-cutting move by some, the tech giant has also retracted several verbal job offers for some Genius roles. 

There were multiple stories in the news last week regarding Apple Store employees’ plans to unionize. While Apple has yet to make a public statement about the unionization plans, it’s already working with anti-union lawyers to stop these efforts.

After learning about Apple retail employees at the Grand Central store in NYC starting the process towards unionizing this weekend, new details have been shared about the group’s goals. Along with seeking improved working conditions, more vacation time, and better retirement options, the group is looking to secure a minimum wage of $30/hour.

While Apple Store employees at Grand Central Terminal in New York are taking the first steps to unionize, the Cupertino company has recently revamped its retail careers page by highlighting benefits, employees’ testimonials, and lots of info on what roles are available in its retail stores.

Workers at one of Apple’s flagship retail locations in New York City are taking the first steps to unionize. As first reported by The Washington Post this weekend, workers at the Apple Store located in Grand Central Terminal are now collecting signatures to begin the unionization process. If successful, this would mark the first time that Apple Store employees have unionized.

A couple of days ago, Apple shared some photos of its newest Myeongdong store in South Korea. Now, starting this Saturday, it’s receiving customers for the first time. This Apple Store is the largest in the country.

Apple has shared photos of the new two-story Apple Store Myeongdong, two days ahead of the official opening of the latest South Korean store.

The design looks pretty standard for a contemporary Apple Store, though it does have a couple of unique touches …

We’re used to hearing of Apple gift card scams where fraudsters trick victims into buying gift cards for “release fees” for fictitious fortunes, or as “fines” to avoid arrest for tax evasion – but a pair of criminals found a clever way to generate $1.5M worth of gift cards.

Or more accurately, the method was clever, but the way they spent the cards was dumb …

Apple has announced that the largest Apple Store in South Korea will soon be opening, in the capital Seoul. The store will be located in the city’s historical center of Jung-gu.

The Cupertino company says that the Center Point Myeong-dong store will offer a source of inspiration …

Apple has announced to employees that it is revising its COVID-19 protocols for corporate staff and retail staff members. In an announcement on Thursday, Apple informed corporate and retail staff members that face masks will be optional in “regions where local indoor-mask mandates have been eliminated” starting this week.

Apple is officially bringing back its popular Today at Apple sessions at retail stores in the United States. This comes after in-person Today at Apple sessions were on hiatus for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apple has shared photos of its spectacular new Al Maryah Island Apple Store, ahead of tomorrow’s opening. Vlogger Emkwan has also posted a video tour.

The latest Abu Dhabi store has a dramatic water feature, blurs the boundary between interior and exterior, has a golden carbon fiber roof, and offers panoramic views of the skyline …

Update: The gunman has now died from injuries sustained when he was hit by a police vehicle. Police intervened to save the hostage when he ran from the store and the gunman gave chase. The gunman has still not been named, but police say he was an Amsterdam resident with a criminal record …

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Apple has been requiring all customers to wear a mask in its retail stores, a policy the company unsuccessfully tried to discontinue last year. However, it seems that the company once again wants to drop the mask mandate for Apple Stores in the United States.

Apple will open at least two new retail stores in Seoul, South Korea, in the near future, as the company is now hiring more employees for another location in the country.

Today, a new report from The Globe and Mail in Canada says that Apple is threatening to pull out of its planned development for a new flagship retail store. According to the report, Apple had signed a lease for more than 15,000 square feet of retail space in the development, but is now threatening to back out over construction delays.

It’s been eight years since Apple unveiled its last retail in the United Kingdom. Now, it appears the company is readying another store in the region.

Apple opened its third United Arab Emirates Apple Store just a week ago, but is already preparing to open its fourth. Like last week’s opening, this one too is in Abu Dhabi, but this time on Al Maryah Island.

The company unveiled a special barricade mural, celebrating Abu Dhabi’s history and culture …

Apple is dramatically improving the benefits it offers both part-time and full-time retail employees in the United States. According to a new report from Bloomberg, Apple is implementing more generous policies for sick time and vacation time, while also offering parental leave for part-time employees for the first time.