Feature AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. These affiliate partnerships do not influence our editorial content. For the first time since March 2020 all 270 Apple Stores in the US are now open in some capacity. AppleInsider has visited a few stores in the last few weeks, and the experience is radically different than what it was a year ago, or even when the stores reopened for the first time. Over the past year, my local Apple Store found in the Westfield Brandon Town Center mall has remained open save for only a few sporadic weeks. While I haven't had much need to visit in-person over the past year, two faulty MacBooks finally required me to make a Genius Bar appointment and bring them in for repair. Users looking to make any kind of Genius Bar appointment should plan far ahead as the earliest appointments for this location were at least one week out. If … [Read more...] about Returning to the Apple Store – the new normal
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Apple Store badges are back with Memoji, here’s how to make your own
The next time you visit an Apple Store, expect to see a lot more Memoji. After today, Apple’s retail teams will greet you wearing custom new badges printed with their likeness — in Memoji form. If you’d like a virtual badge in the same style, there’s now a way to make your very own tag. Employee badges on lanyards were a signature part of the Apple Store aesthetic from the day the first locations opened in 2001. The iconic badges disappeared in late 2014 while Apple Retail was under the direction of Angela Ahrendts but are now back with a twist. The new Memoji badges are designed to help store employees express themselves in a world wearing masks. They’re sure to be conversation starters and add a pop of color and fun to the store experience. For long-time Apple enthusiasts, they’re a throwback to old times. Earlier badges promoted Apple’s in-store services and announcements, like Personal Pickup or The Beatles arriving on iTunes. Memoji badges first appeared at the grand … [Read more...] about Apple Store badges are back with Memoji, here’s how to make your own
Ten records Apple broke in its historic holiday 2020 quarter
AppleInsider breaks down every record Apple smashed in its gargantuan fiscal quarter ending in December 2020. Apple's first fiscal quarter was one to remember, breaking records left and right on its way to a staggering $111.4 billion in total revenue. While that number was the biggest takeaway, it was far from the only record the company shattered. Total revenue Apple brought in a staggering $111.4B in Q1 2021 During the 1Q 2021 financial quarter, Apple raked in $111.4 billion in total revenue. This is the first time the company has passed $100 billion for a quarter, breaking its previous record of $91.8 billion in the prior year's December-ending quarter. It's all the more surprising that Apple did this during a global pandemic, as many working families cut down on luxury purchases. Impressive iPad and Mac sales boosts may have partially reflected the greater need for work-from-home and Zoom-friendly computing devices. However, the iPhone continued … [Read more...] about Ten records Apple broke in its historic holiday 2020 quarter
Apple now displays iPhone and Mac repairability scores in France
AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. These affiliate partnerships do not influence our editorial content. Apple this week posted repairability scores for flagship iPhone and Mac products in France, a measure mandated by the country's government in January. The listings, known as repair indexes, are now displayed on official Apple Store app purchase pages and on Apple's website, reports MacGeneration . Current-generation flagship devices including the iPhone 12 , iPhone 11 and iPhone SE series, as well as MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models, carry the informational mark designed to offer insight into a product's life cycle. Separately, Apple has posted a dedicated webpage on its French website with links to detailed repair index reports covering documentation; disassembly, access and tools; parts availability; parts pricing; and software and services support. … [Read more...] about Apple now displays iPhone and Mac repairability scores in France
Apple broke record for FaceTime call volume over holidays
Apple CEO Tim Cook on an earnings call Wednesday said that the company set a new record for the most FaceTime call volume during the holiday season. Apple broke a lot of records in the holiday quarter of 2020, from revenues to sales of different products to income from Services. It turns out the company broke another record over Christmas as it recorded the highest-ever volume of FaceTime calls. Cook, during Apple's quarterly earnings call, stated that "as COVID-19 kept us apart, we saw the highest volume of FaceTime calls ever this Christmas." It is unclear if "this Christmas" refers to Dec. 25, the surrounding weeks, or the entire holiday quarter. Cook did not specify an exact amount of FaceTime call volume. The record, though, is not surprising, especially with friends and family physically apart for the holidays last year due to coronavirus restrictions. In addition, as stated on the call, the install base for iPhone is the largest it has ever been, and Cook … [Read more...] about Apple broke record for FaceTime call volume over holidays
Apple reportedly cuts iPhone 12 mini production amid tepid demand
AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. These affiliate partnerships do not influence our editorial content. Apple has informed partner suppliers that it has reduced iPhone 12 mini production plans for the first half of 2021, with manufacturing of some specialty parts suspended altogether, according to a report on Wednesday. Citing industry sources familiar with the matter, Nikkei reports major suppliers were recently informed of the production shift that marks a change in Apple's procurement strategy. Prior to the reported downward revision, the tech giant was aggressively buying semiconductors, printed circuit boards and displays amid a worldwide parts shortage. Apple is targeting output at around 75 million iPhone units for the first half of 2021, down 20% from December 2020, the report says. Much of that downgrade is blamed on iPhone 12 mini. Nikkei sources note … [Read more...] about Apple reportedly cuts iPhone 12 mini production amid tepid demand
Apple Deals on Amazon: 44mm Apple Watch SE $269; iPad Air 4 $559; $120 off iMac; accessory sale
AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. These affiliate partnerships do not influence our editorial content. This week's markdowns see the 44mm Apple Watch SE on sale for $269.99, a $40 discount on the new model. Apple's iPad Air 4 is also back down to $559, while the iMac 4K drops to $1,379 ($120 off). Apple accessories also get steeper price cuts as we near the weekend. Latest Amazon offers on Apple The latest Apple discounts on Amazon include deals on AirPods and MacBook discounts , but three offers that stand out include $40 savings on the 44mm GPS Apple Watch SE and the 64GB iPad Air 4 (Wi-Fi) in Sky Blue , plus a new $120 price drop on the iMac 4K (also available at B&H Photo ). These promotions offer shoppers the lowest Apple prices , according to our Price Guide. And with inventory constraints still affecting the Apple space, it's best … [Read more...] about Apple Deals on Amazon: 44mm Apple Watch SE $269; iPad Air 4 $559; $120 off iMac; accessory sale
Apple raked in record $15.8B in services revenue during Q1
AppleInsider is supported by its audience and may earn commission as an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner on qualifying purchases. These affiliate partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The first fiscal of 2021 marks the first time in nine quarters that Apple's Services segment increased revenue by more than 20 percent. Apple Music In Apple's quarterly earnings announcement on Jan. 27, the company announced Services revenue of $15.8 billion for the final three months of 2020, representing a 24% increase over the same period in 2019. "The steep integration of hardware, software and Services have always defined our approach here, and it has delivered an all-time quarterly Services record," Apple CEO Tim Cook said on the earnings call. "This was the first quarter of the Apple One bundle, which brings together many of our great Services into an easy subscription, and with new content being added to these services every day, we feel very optimistic … [Read more...] about Apple raked in record $15.8B in services revenue during Q1
Apple discontinues full-size HomePod, to focus on HomePod mini
Apple on Friday announced the discontinuation of the full-size HomePod , saying it plans to focus on production and development of the HomePod mini. Apple informed TechCrunch of the product's end of life in a statement today. HomePod mini has been a hit since its debut last fall, offering customers amazing sound, an intelligent assistant, and smart home control all for just $99. We are focusing our efforts on HomePod mini. We are discontinuing the original HomePod, it will continue to be available while supplies last through the Apple Online Store, Apple Retail Stores, and Apple Authorized Resellers. Apple will provide HomePod customers with software updates and service and support through Apple Care. The company plans to sell remaining HomePod units until stock is depleted, though Apple's online storefront is already sold out of Space Gray models. Support will also continue until the product is declared obsolete. Announced at WWDC 2017, HomePod was Apple's … [Read more...] about Apple discontinues full-size HomePod, to focus on HomePod mini
Presidents Day Apple Pencil deal drops iPad Pro, Air accessory to $103
Holiday weekend sales continue to heat up, with Verizon's Apple Pencil 2 deal knocking $26 off the stylus in addition to free 2-day shipping. Apple Pencil markdown at Verizon You don't have to be a Verizon Wireless subscriber to take advantage of the company's Presidents Day promotion on the Apple Pencil (2nd Generation). This accessory, which is compatible with current iPad Air and iPad Pro models, is discounted to $103.99 with free 2-day shipping or in-store pickup. The $26 markdown offers shoppers the lowest price available on the gadget to unlock even more functionality in compatible iPad products. For even more holiday discounts, including exclusive deals on M1 Macs , be sure to check out the AppleInsider Apple Price Guide . Deals on Apple hardware If you find yourself needing a new piece of Apple hardware to utilize the accessory deals above, AppleInsider and Apple Authorized Resellers are also running exclusive … [Read more...] about Presidents Day Apple Pencil deal drops iPad Pro, Air accessory to $103