why is it so hard to get a genius bar appointment

I've found a way by going to support, typing in your problem (and that is the crucial thing: use a reason that software fixes can't fix, such as dead battery, power problems, RAM problem, etc); once you get the options on how to get support, an option to bring in to repair should be available > that will result in being able to choose an appointment at your nearest Genius Bar.

FWIW, if anyone goes ahead and follows Apple's guidelines regarding the battery replacement, the Genius Bar will not be involved at all. By going to the online support > chat, a reservation for a battery replacement was initiated and confirmed by my local Apple store. I received an email about weeks later that my battery was in with instructions to call the store. I did and a separate appointment has been set up for me about mid Feb > no Genius Bar at all. I am to show up at the appointed time and they will take my phone > supposedly will be done in about 30 minutes.

It's the battery replacement rush. A lot of Apple Stores are booked solid for the week that one can book online or through the phone. However, Apple does have a longer booking window (two weeks when I asked) if you can go to a store in person to make an appointment. I know it doesn't help everyone, but a lot of Apple Stores are located in major shopping areas that are convenient to a lot of people.

There are also Apple Authorized Service Providers that can be booked through Apple now, but they have their own quirks. They may charge their own prices, and some will charge a price just to look at a device.

There is a recommended way ...

https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

But the problem at the moment must be the huge number of people trying to sort out their iPhone battery replacement. Apple could not have foreseen this.

Edited.

If you go to your local Apple Store's website, there should be a link to set up a repair.

Hi ruprecht,

Just a fair warning, software issues are to be handled by Apple tech support who specializes in software and can also isolate issues to hardware related, in which case they can set up an appt for the customer then. Hardware issues, determined by those techs or via a customer insisting they want to set an appt up for a repair or replacement, are what the store techs handle. **Please note: If the store tech determines your issue is software related, you will be advised to contact software techs via Apple support, using the contact method of your choice.

Basically, If you show up with a software issue, you will most likely be redirected back to Apple tech support. Okay, 99.9% chance they will explain they are unable to provide appropriate software support, as they were not trained specific to that division. I'd not waste the trip.

One specializes in software. The other, in hardware.

Regarding batteries, Apple Support sw techs are ordering these for customers, which I feel sure someone pointed out and yep, the stores are overwhelmed by battery replacements alone. A walk in was never advisable but now, it should be emphasized it's best to simply not attempt one for ANY hardware issue. The store will reach out to give status then when battery comes in.

see if you can get someone to help you or what you can do to make that appointment.

If you will read my post, I posted how to go about getting an appointment for a battery replacement. That is the way to get a battery replacement reserved, ordered, and then installed (with an appointment with their repair crew, not the Genius Bar).

Also note: an Apple representative informed me that not all AASPs are participating in the reduced price battery replacement - this came up during our conversation when I asked if I could take it to the closest AASP (6 miles) vs. an Apple store (35 miles). This AASP has chosen not to participate, so I am driving 35 miles.

And, if there is a different problem, Apple - some time ago - did change the availability of the Genius Bar for problems with any device. If you will look at the link seventy one posted, it shows the available options for software problems and, below, for hardware problems. Note that the Genius Bar appears to only be available for hardware problems. There are other options for software problems, but the Genius Bar is not one of them. It appears that Apple has changed their policy regarding what services are available by a Genius since they seems to be discouraging the Genius Bar if you have any problem except a hardware problem.

call apple and make one ahead of time that works around your schedule.

see the link at the bottom of this page

There is no link at the bottom of the page anymore. It has been moved to the top right.

the closest apple store to me is 3 hours away so I definitely have to make sure I can get an appointment so I don't spend my time driving all that way for nothing. I'm sure its not intentional but with apple offering the discounted battery replacement and now the repairs for the iPhone 7 model its just a busier time for them. I understand its frustrating but there will be times when they aren't so busy that I'm sure you can get in and have your needs met. If you cant get through to someone then when you have the time just go to your nearest apple store and see if you can get someone to help you or what you can do to make that appointment.

Hi

This is a user to user forum nobody hear works for Apple We are just users of apple devices we help with software problems.

Tell us your problem?

Cheers

Brian

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