Visiting an Apple Retail Store During COVID-19 Restrictions
The COVID-19 situation is very ambiguous, and local restrictions can change frequently, sometimes with little notice. As a result, to comply with restrictions and ensure everyone's health and safety, Apple is making adjustments in its retail stores. This includes health screenings, temperature checks, requiring face coverings, social distancing, and capacity limits.
Shopping and Getting Support Online
You may be able to get the assistance you need from Apple Support online or over the phone. If you are looking to make a purchase, the Apple Online Store is a great resource.
For support options, visit https://getsupport.apple.com.
For shopping options, visit https://apple.com/shop.
Support
You can chat with Apple Support online to help diagnose any issues or answer any questions you have. This is especially a time-saver for software-related issues or questions. Apple Support is also reachable on Twitter, and how-to videos provided by Apple are available on YouTube. You may also want to see the iPhone, iPad or Mac user guides.
If you are experiencing an issue requiring repair or replacement, there may be a mail-in option available to you.
Shopping
You have the option of chatting with an Apple specialist to answer any questions about Apple products, and get advice on making a purchase or other inquiries.
You can place an online order, and either have it delivered to your address (no-contact delivery available), or pick it up at an Apple Retail Store (you will not need to go inside for pickups). Delivery estimates and store availability are available at checkout. Even if you are trading in, you can mail in your trade-in device up to 14 days after receiving your new device. If you need to return an item, you can initiate it from https://apple.com/orderstatus.
Today at Apple sessions are currently paused for most stores. However, if you enjoy the tips and tricks and expressions of creativity offered by these sessions, recorded Today at Apple At Home sessions are available: https://www.apple.com/today/feature/today-at-home.
What to Expect In-Store
If you would still prefer to visit an Apple Store in person, such as to browse or physically compare products, there are several measures put in place in response to COVID-19. Most importantly, due to capacity restrictions, please make an appointment, whether for the Genius Bar or for shopping. To reserve a time window to shop, see: https://www.apple.com/retail/instore-shopping-session. To make a Genius Bar reservation, visit https://getsupport.apple.com, and describe your issue to see available support options.
When you arrive at the store, you will need to answer a few health screening questions pertaining to coronavirus symptoms and exposure. Then you will get a contactless temperature check to make sure that you do not have a fever. If you are sick, then there are many online options as outlined above. Many locations have floor markers spaced 6 feet apart to help maintain social distancing. Face coverings that cover the nose and mouth are required at all locations, whether or not locally mandated, and must be worn at all times. If you do not have a face covering, a disposable mask will be provided to you. More information and FAQs are available at https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/store/temporary_closures.
Some Apple Stores also offer curbside pickup. Curbside is only for product pickup or Genius Bar appointments; purchases, trade-ins, exchanges and returns (in most cases) cannot be made at curbside. You would stay in your vehicle and someone will assist you through the car window.
Apple has re-opened and then re-closed some stores in areas where there is a surge in COVID cases. You can check online or call a store in advance to check if they are open. Store hours and contact information are available at the in-store shopping reservation link above, or at https://www.apple.com/retail/storelist.
Note about AppleCare+
Many Apple products have the option to add AppleCare+, an extended warranty coverage plan. There are many benefits to this plan, such as an additional year of warranty coverage (two additional years for Mac), and accidental damage coverage. In uncertain times like this, when stores may open and close as conditions change, you may be concerned about being without your device for a while if it experiences an issue and you cannot get to a store. Another benefit of AppleCare+ can help: all major product lines except for Mac and iPod offer Express Service Replacement. You can get a loaner device while your device is sent off for repair. More information is available at https://support.apple.com/iphone/repair/service/express-replacement. AppleCare+ customers also get 24/7 priority access to Apple Support via phone or chat, which is helpful if you need to get support after regular hours. Consider purchasing AppleCare+ when you get a new product. If you have already purchased a product, you can add AppleCare+ up to 60 days after the purchase. If it has been more than 60 days but less than one year, adding AppleCare+ is still possible, but requires a Genius Bar appointment. More information about AppleCare: https://www.apple.com/support/products
Get Help Setting Up a New Device
If you would like assistance going through the setup process on your device, or need help transferring data from another device, Apple offers Personal Setup online. You can book a one-on-one session to help you set up your device, as well as go over basics, or other topics you are interested in, at https://www.apple.com/shop/browse/personal_session.
In some areas, Apple is partnering with a company called Enjoy to offer delivery with setup help. Someone will deliver your purchase to your door, and will spend time helping you set it up. If you do not see the "Delivery with Setup" option shown below at checkout when you click on "Delivery options," then the service is not available in your area.
All in all, if you decide to go into the store, you hopefully now know what to expect. If you do not want to wait in line or prefer online help, the alternatives listed above may work out best for you.