‘Spring forward’ banners have been put up at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts ahead of todays media event. The banners show the same Apple logo that was sent in the invite. Some onlookers also noticed an additional temporary building being constructed which is believed to be Apple Watch demo area. The temporary structure was seen guarded by security staff at all times.

Apple is expected to announce Apple Watch launch date for the U.S. alongside a few other chosen countries. We know that the Sport model will cost $349 however, the price for the Apple Watch and Apple Watch Edition has been unknown all this while. According to John Gruber of Daring Fireball here’s what the Apple Watch pricing could be:

Apple Watch Sport (all colors, with Sport Band): $349/399
Apple Watch, steel, Sport Band: $749/799
Apple Watch, steel, Classic Buckle: $849/899
Apple Watch, steel, Milanese Loop: $949/999
Apple Watch, steel, Modern Buckle (38mm only): $1199
Apple Watch, steel, Leather Loop (42mm only): $1299
Apple Watch, steel, Link Bracelet: $1499/1599
Apple Watch, space black steel, Link Bracelet: $1899/1999
Apple Watch Edition, Sport Band: $7499/7999
Apple Watch Edition, Modern Buckle (38mm only): $9999
Apple Watch Edition, Classic Buckle (42mm only): $10,999

According to another rumour Apple’s new SVP of Retail and Online sales Angela Ahrendts and SVP of Design Jony Ive collaborated to transform Apple retail stores to create new shopping experience for customers coming in to buy the company’s first wearable device. It is possible that Ahrendts makes her first appearance on stage to talk about the state of Apple retail.

Visit Apple’s website to live stream the media event. What are your expectations from today’s event? Do you think Apple will announce the Retina MacBook Air or new Apple TV? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

A photo posted by Dieter Bohn (@backlon) on Mar 9, 2015 at 7:46am PDT

It’s clear that there was pent-up demand for a large screen iPhone. With iPhone 6 plus launch Apple is all set to take the market by storm. iPhone 6 plus features 5.5inch Retina HD display , second generation 64-bit chip, improved camera sensor, NFC chip and more. iPhone 6 features nearly the same features as iPhone 6 plus except the display size which is 4.7 inch and doesn’t feature optical image stabilisation.

The new iPhones will be available in retail stores on September 19. Eager customers began queuing outside the stores much before the phone was announced. Apple may face shortage of stock to meet the release day demand. This has become a trend of sorts with all major product launches from Apple in the recent past.

Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, didn’t hesitate to comment that iPhone 6 will be mother of all upgrades. Publications that have published early impressions seem to be highly positive about the new phones.

With both new phones featuring larger displays there is something new to experience for everyone. Apple Pay could also play a major factor in bringing in new customers as Apple plans to revolutionise mobile payments. Apple claims that Apple Pay will be easy, fast and secure. The service demo shown during the event involved bringing the phone near the NFC device and simply touching the Touch ID to authenticate payment. The company claims that it will not store any data on its server and will use token system to completely randomise every transaction without storing any sensitive information.

Bigger display, NFC, better camera, faster processor and thinner design that’s exactly what people wanted and Apple has delivered.

Did you manage to pre-order your new iPhone? Which one did you order, iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus? Let us know in the comments below.

The campers often have an ‘agenda’ which is either to gain fame, promote their products or earn some money in exchange of the first spot in the line. Apple has been known to be extremely supportive of its customers lining outside the retail stores by offering food and coffee for free. Other companies are also eager to join the bandwagon by sponsoring the campers with their products of course.

Rob Shoesmith camped outside Apple’s retail store for 10 days in anticipation of iPhone 4S which got him a lot of media attention and sponsors. This year Jason and Moon Ray got the first spot after paying $2500 to Brian Ceballo and Joseph Cruz of BuyBackWorld. Jason and Moon Ray are promoting a health app called VideoMedicine which can used to videoconference with doctors.

This year Apple is widely expected to announce 4.7 inch and 5.5 inch screen iPhones. The next iPhone is rumoured to feature sapphire crystal display, improved camera sensor, new biometric sensors, improved battery performance and NFC chip. Analysts report suggest that Apple will finally enter the mobile payment segment with NFC enabled iPhone by partnering with American Express, Visa and MasterCard.

iPhone 6 / iPhone Air is also expected to be available in 128GB capacity in addition to 16GB, 32GB and 64GB models. The pricing of these models is unknown however, it is estimated that 5.5 inch model will cost $100 more that the current price points.

Apart from iPhone announcement the company is also rumoured to enter wearable product category. Apple CEO Tim Cook has commented on wearable technology in the past and has noted that the wrist continues to be an area of interest. In the recent past the company has made notable hires from Nike which further fuel the rumours about an iWatch.

All rumours will be put to rest on September 09, 2014 when Apple kicks starts its special iPhone keynote event. Are you excited about the new iPhone 6? Do you think Apple will unveil an iWatch during the event? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Apple has announced that Burberry CEO, Angela Ahrendts, will join the company as senior vice president of retail and online stores. The new position has been created for Ahrendts who will report directly to CEO Tim Cook.

Burberry and Apple had recently partnered together to capture Spring / Summer 2014 runway show using the new iPhone 5s. Burberry showcased beautiful photos and slo-mo videos that were captured using only the new iPhone 5s. Both companies share the same passion for design and conveying a sense of emotion attached to its products.

After the departure of Ron Johnson, Apple struggled to fill the position of the next retail head. Cook later hired John Browett who was then the CEO of Dixons. However, in less than a year he was fired as he didn’t seem to fit in the Apple culture.

Burberry is an iconic British brand known for its luxurious fashion products. A quick look at their online stores suggest that the high end luxury brand believes in simplicity, innovation in product design and engaging customers in digital marketing.

Disciplined execution, constant evolution and balance across channels, regions and products underpin the management of the business.

Innovative product design, digital marketing initiatives and dynamic retail strategies drive consistent performance.

Ahrendts will join Apple next year, in spring. Prior to Burberry, she worked for Liz Claiborne Inc. as executive vice president and earlier in her career she served as president of Donna Karan International.

Apple CEO, Tim Cook, commented, “She shares our values and our focus on innovation, and she places the same strong emphasis as we do on the customer experience. She has shown herself to be an extraordinary leader throughout her career and has a proven track record.”

Christopher Bailey, chief creative officer at Burberry will replace Ahrendts. It will be interesting to see how Ahrendts takes over Apple’s online and physical retail stores as the new head in 2014.

Today Apple issued a press release announcing two new phases of the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c launch. It was revealed that the company will launch the new iPhones in 35 new countries on October 25 and in additional 16 countries on November 1 which will include India.

During the iPhone keynote event Apple CEO, Tim Cook, announced that the company will bring its new iPhone lineup to all major markets by the end of 2013. In the next two months the Cupertino, Calif., based company will add a total of 51 countries that will sell the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c.

iPhone 5s and 5c will be available on Friday, October 25 in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, French West Indies, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Island, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan and Thailand. iPhone 5s and 5c will also be available on Friday, November 1 in Albania, Armenia, Bahrain, Colombia, El Salvador, Guam, Guatemala, India, Macedonia, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and UAE.

In recent years India has started to emerge as a focus area for Apple. New product launches now typically become available within two months of official launch in the U.S. Sales of iPhone in India since the introduction of iPhone 5 have increased significantly and the company has been making efforts to partner with new distribution partners.

Apple distribution partner Redington in India has partnered with local banks to provide 0% interest EMI payments to buy any product offered at the retail stores. Various schemes such as reduction on price on exchange of any smartphone has also helped to fuel sales.

iPhone 5s is worlds first smartphone to feature 64-bit A7 chip. The new iPhone has improved camera sensor and dual-tone flash that helps capturing better photos in low light conditions. Apple also introduced Touch ID, a fingerprint sensor that allows users to effortlessly unlock their devices.

Many expected iPhone 5c to be low cost iPhone to taget the price sensitive Indian market, however as it turned out iPhone 5c features a new plastic design with the same internals as the iPhone 5. The new colorful iPhone is expected to retail at the same price as iPhone 4s in India. While iPhone 5s will replace the pricing of iPhone 5.

iPhone 5s is expected to be available in limited supply and the gold iPhone could possibly see huge demand. If you are looking to buy the new iPhone on November 1 be sure to book your phone in advance at the nearest retail store or visit the store early.

According to a report from Reuters, Walmart is expanding its ‘Scan & Go’ Self-checkout system to over 200 of its retail stores. The system, which is similar to Apple’s own EasyPay system is modeled around iOS devices and allows customers of Walmart stores to pay for their shopping items at a checkout station while exiting the store.

For now, “Scan & Go” only works on Apple Inc devices. An Android version should be out soon, Walmart said.

With more than half of its shoppers using smartphones, Walmart is trying to make shopping more convenient for shoppers who embrace mobile technology. More than half of the customers who have tried the “Scan & Go” feature have used it more than once, [Walmart senior vice president Gibu] Thomas said.

The system is currently in a testing phase in only 70 of Walmart’s retail locations, but will be in over 200 stores. Walmart already has the system running in stores in a number of areas, including Georgia, Arkansas, Vancouver, Washington and California. With this expansion, Walmart plans to move west to the following areas:

Walmart is bringing “Scan & Go” into a dozen more markets: Denver, Colorado; Phoenix, Arizona; Omaha, Nebraska; Dallas and Austin, Texas; Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Wyoming; Bozeman, Montana; Seattle, Washington; San Jose, California; and Portland, Oregon.

This likely means that the new self-checkout system has proved to be efficient and user-friendly in the company’s pilot testing locations. Walmart is one of the world’s largest corporations that operates discount department stores and warehouse stores, and with widespread adoption of Apple’s iOS devices, this new system could prove to be successful in a number of Walmart’s stores. As a result, Walmart could save money on employees, especially during off-peak hours of shopping when stores are mostly empty. The ‘Scan & Go’ feature is available through Walmart’s free iOS app {Direct Link}, much like Apple’s EasyPay app.

{Via MacRumors}

According to The Wall Street Journal, Apple Inc. (AAPL) is looking to increase sales of its products in India, which is quickly becoming one of the larger markets in the world. The report notes that AAPL is ‘making moves’ to increase sales, meaning that the company is starting to build a larger presence by increasing the number of employees and is going around wireless carriers to control majority of its marketing efforts. Recently, Apple launched the iTunes Store in India, followed by the Apple TV earlier this month.

Apple is sidestepping wireless carriers to seize greater control over marketing in India and offering no-interest loans to lure lower-income consumers. The company has also boosted staff in India by 30% to 170 employees in the past six months. And it is ramping up the introduction of other products, with the Apple TV video-streaming gadget expected to reach stores in coming weeks, people familiar with the matter say.

The result is that Apple shipped more than 252,000 iPhones to India in the quarter through December, more than triple the number in the previous three months, according to research firm Canalys.

Many reports have even suggested that Apple is looking into bringing its retail stores to the subcontinent, and is likely laying the groundwork to do so. India is ideal for Apple’s entrance into emerging markets, with recent reports suggesting that Apple is looking into building a cheaper iPhone. Samsung, which has become a major competitor for Apple has seen success with its line of Galaxy S devices, as well as cheaper Android devices that sell for around $100.

If Apple were to introduce a cheaper iPhone, it would make sense to introduce it in India, where demand for the company’s products is increasing and where smartphones are not subsidized and operate on prepaid plans. With retail stores in India coupled with the online store, Apple would be able to sell more units of its products and as a result, increase its revenue in the region. China has become one of Apple’s largest sources of revenue, so it is not surprising that India is also beginning to see a demand for Apple products.

Apple is continuing to expand its international presence, setting up its Online Stores, iTunes Music store, and App Store all over the world. The Cupertino, California based company introduced its iTunes Music store in 56 new countries, including Russia late last year and is now moving forward with plans to launch an Online store in Russia.

Rumors about the store have been around since last August, with TechCrunch confirming that Apple is in fact looking to open an Online Store in Russia. TechCrunch notes that Apple has started to recruit staff and has posted a job listing for a “Russian Chat Team Manager”. The team manager would be managing as many as 15 advisors and would be working out of Cork, Ireland, despite the store being introduced in Russia.

Apple is also hiring for a Market Manager for Russia and Turkey, showing that it is dedicated to introducing its services in that region. Currently, Apple sells through resellers in the country, as it does in a number of other countries. The company will now be able to increase its product sales, as it has done in China, which currently accounts for a large part of Apple’s international revenue.

{Via MacRumors}

Apple Inc. (AAPL) has had yet another management shift, making it the third retail executive departure from the company in the past year. According to IFOAppleStore, Apple’s VP of Retail, Jerry McDougal has left the company to spend more time with his family. McDougal has been a part of the company for 12 years, running Apple’s retail marketing, product merchandising, store operations, loss prevention and customer loyalty programs and worked under Apple’s former retail chief, Ron Johnson. Johnson left the company to become CEO of JC Penney to help the company reshape its retail future.

A key player in the birth of Apple’s retail chain and a potential candidate to lead the retail stores has left the company. Jerry McDougal, Vice-President of Retail, said goodbye to his colleagues last Friday, sources say. His departure was explained as not work-related, but rather so he could spend more time with his family.

McDougal was considered as a replacement for Johnson when he left the company for JC Penney and then again for John Browett who left the company late last year, alongside iOS chief Scott Forstall who was ousted from the company because of issues with Maps and Siri, as well as personal issues with other executives. According to AllThingsD, McDougal will be replaced by Apple’s VP of Finance, Jim Bean.

Jim Bean is moving to Retail to help support our store teams. Jim has been at Apple for 15 years and is a great leader who understands our culture and focus on customer service.

Apple expects employees on the campus to dedicate large portions of their daily time and lives to the company, and recently has been placing the duties of departing executives on other vice presidents at the company. Ultimately, Apple is restructuring the management team that once operated under former CEO and Chairman, Steve Jobs.

{Via MacRumors}

Apple’s new product lineup, including the iPhone 5, iPad mini, and fourth generation iPad is finally coming to China, after the Cupertino company had trouble with specific certifications that the country requires. Earlier in the week, the iPhone 5 received certification in China, and was eligible to go on sale.

On Friday, Apple announced that they would be bringing the iPhone 5 to China, alongside the iPad mini and the fourth generation iPad. All of the iOS devices would go on sale over the next several weeks, with all three available in retail stores by the end of the month.

Apple today announced the Wi-Fi versions of iPad mini and fourth generation iPad with Retina display will be available in China on Friday, December 7, and iPhone 5 will be available on Friday, December 14. iPad mini and the new fourth generation iPad with Retina display are currently available in 42 countries, and iPhone 5 is available in 47 countries, including the US, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan and the UK.

China generally requires more certification than other countries and as a result, most products such as Google’s services, and Apple’s devices are introduced later. The iPhone 4S arrived two months after release in the United States, and the third generation iPad arrived four months after initial release.

However, it is crucial that Apple still bring their products to China, as it accounts for 15% of the company’s revenue. Apple CEO Tim Cook has mentioned multiple times that China is a big opportunity for Apple, with the company opening more retail stores to increase its presence in the country.

{Via MacRumors}

Apple’s iPhone 5 is becoming more available online and in its retail stores, as the supply for the product catches up to the initial demand. The iPhone 5’s shipping estimate on the Online Store dropped to one week today, only a few days after dropping to two weeks. The new shipping estimate is going live in North America and in many parts of Asia, although there are some regions still showing two week estimates.

It is only a matter of time before those regions also reflect the change and customers are able to receive their devices a week earlier than before. Apple continues to ramp up production of the iPhone 5 as the holiday season kicks into full gear, and demand for the product may once again increase.

Apple plans to bring the iPhone to over 100 countries by the end of the year and must regulate the shipping estimate to under a week in certain regions, in order to make sure that they have enough devices to sell online and in stores.

{Via MacRumors}

Apple Inc. (AAPL) began selling its new iPad mini and the 4th generation iPad just last week and has already sold a record three million iPads in three days. According to Apple, this number is double the previous first weekend record of 1.5 million Wi-Fi models sold for the third generation iPad this past March.

Apple noted in the press release for the record announcement that the WiFi+Cellular versions of the iPad mini and the 4th generation iPad would be available in several weeks, in the US and numerous other countries. Apple CEO Tim Cook seemed optimistic about the new iPad mini and commented on the sale of the iPad mini and fourth generation iPad.

Customers around the world love the new iPad mini and fourth generation iPad. We set a new launch weekend record and practically sold out of iPad minis. We’re working hard to build more quickly to meet the incredible demand.

The iPad mini, with a new 7.9 inch screen, FsceTime HD camera and LTE wireless is setting up to be a big hit for Apple in the market, and the company will likely continue to sell more in volume as the holiday season approaches. Apple retail stores and the online store have been trying to keep up with demand for the iPad mini for the past several days, and will likely continue to sell them in record numbers for several months until the demand evens with the supply.

{Via Apple PR}

Over 30 retail stores on the East Coast of America, including 4 Apple Stores in NYC shut down earlier this week because of Hurricane Sandy, which swept across the NorthEast region and knocked out power to much of Lower Manhattan and uprooted trees and even the roofs of houses. Apple’s 14th Street location in Manhattan, pictured above, is one of the 4 in the metro area of NYC that was shut down during the storm.

The storm, brought over 10 inches of rain to the region, and wind gusts in excess of 90MPH which threatened numerous retail chains in NYC, including Apple Stores, which have all glass designs. With subway and bus stations shut down across the region, Apple Stores may have a hard time getting fresh supplies of iPad mini.

However, during the storm, Apple did take precautionary measures and sent its employees home and put sandbags at the base of stores to prevent water from entering. On iTunes, Apple is now collecting money for those affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Apple posted a page for users to donate to the American Red Cross to help supply regions in the Northeast with power, water, food, and other forms of assistance. Apple is accepting donations for $5, $10, $25, $50, $100, and $200. One hundred percent of the donations will be transferred to the American Red Cross for Hurricane Sandy relief, and Apple will not profit in any way. They have done this in the past following the tsunami in Japan and other natural disasters.

This past Saturday, Apple opened the doors to its new retail location in Palo Alto, where media was allowed in to take pictures and partake in the grand opening celebration. The new Palo Alto, located at 340 University Drive is several miles from Apple’s corporate headquarters and will now serve more customers in the area, those that would otherwise crowd Apple’s original Palo Alto location during product releases.

According to AppleInsider, which also posted images of the grand opening, the store is 15,000 square feet of retail space and has the classic all glass design, which has become a trademark of Apple’s design.

Apple’s original Palo Alto was also the go to location for Apple’s former CEO and Chairman Steve Jobs who often attended for product releases and events. AppleInsider attended the grand opening and posted images of the University Drive retail store in Palo Alto.

Early last week, reports of Apple Inc. (AAPL) opening a third store in Beijing were published, with photos from chinese site MicGadget showing the entrance of the new store under construction. On Sunday, Apple confirmed that they are going to open the third store in Beijing, located on the iconic Wangfujing Street. The Cupertino, Calif., company confirmed that the store is scheduled to open at 10am this Saturday, as with all other Apple grand openings.

China is a major market for AAPL, as the company has experienced massive growth in numerous Asian nations including China. Apple CEO Tim Cook reiterated numerous times in past earnings calls that China is very important to Apple’s growth worldwide. According to 9to5Mac, Apple is also planning to open a massive data center in Hong Kong during the first quarter of 2013, allowing the company to expand and integrate more into the country and support its international users.

By opening the new store, Apple is looking at growth in sales, as the company receives a large part of its revenue from China, Japan and other Asian nations. During the grand opening, Apple typically gives out free commemorative t-shirts to the first 10,000 visitors and has even given out goody bags in its retail stores in China, consisting of gift cards, iPod Shuffles, and even iPads.

{Via 9to5Mac — Image Credit: MicGadget}

The iPhone 5 was announced on September 12th during one of Apple’s popular media events in San Francisco. Since then, customers have pre-ordered over 2 million of the devices. The iPhone 5 is now widely available at retail stores.

However, many users received early arrivals for their new phone, and are posting iPhone 5 unboxing videos on YouTube. A UK gadget site T3 received a review unit and posted up an unboxing and review video for the new device.

Vodafone Germany also posted a video of an unboxing, and following a temporary removal reappeared on the company’s official YouTube account. Individual users have also reported receiving their iPhone 5’s earlier than usual, as Apple is now shipping them in bulk across the country and overseas.

It is normal for new iPhones and new Apple products to arrive early to its customers, ahead of the anticipated date, as early shipping and delivery by UPS and FedEx get checked in earlier. In the past, all generations of iPhones arrived early in some locations, as well as iPads and Macbooks as well.

Did you purchase an iPhone 5? When is your scheduled delivery? Have you recieved it already? Share photos of your visit to the local Apple store in the comments section below.

{Via MacRumors}

Apple offers its employees a number of perks, for keeping the company’s retail stores operating smoothly on a daily basis. The latest perk Apple is offering is slightly odd, to say the least. The Cupertino company is offering their retail employees an upgrade to 50GB of free iCloud storage as opposed to the 5GB offered on a standard account.

The free storage is reportedly $100/a month value and is similar to the free MobileMe subscription employees received until it was scrapped for iCloud. According to MacRumors, Apple employees were given a $500 discount on any Mac except the Mini and $250 off of an iPad.

Apple continues to offer its retail employees free services and discounts on products, likely to keep morale high and keep the employees up to date. Some who don’t use the products, aside from the required training may not know as much about the product as an employee who use it regularly.

{via MacRumors}

Apple Inc. (AAPL) has retail stores all over the world, most recently in China and is now looking to spread out to other parts of the world, the latest country being Sweden. The Cupertino company reportedly filed for a business registration certificate and even began hiring for the store. Apple’s products are already available if many countries, even those without any Apple owned retail stores.

According to site 99Mac, Apple’s latest store is expected to be located in the Täby Centrum shopping center in Stockholm and will likely be opened September 15th. The new retail store will certainly benefit from the expected iPhone 5 release date of September 21st.

According to further reports, this isn’t the only location that Apple is planning for Sweden and is in fact planning one in Malmö for October 25 as well as another location in Stockholm. Sweden is the 14th country to receive an Apple owned Retail Store, showing the company’s dominance in markets that it deems massively profitable. This is Apple’s first retail stores in Sweden and surely not the last in the European region.

{via MacRumors}

Over the past several months, numerous photos have surfaced online, with websites suggesting that they are genuine parts to Apple’s upcoming iPhone 5. Rumors have also pointed to a media event for the release date announcement of iPhone 5 on September 12th.

The most recent leak comes from Apple.pro, which has posted a set of images of what appears to be a fully assembled iPhone 5 front panel with the home button and the front camera installed. The images were originally posted to a photobucket account, which has a track record of Apple leaks, including the thickness of the new iPad and one of the first to release images of a white panel for the next generation iPhone.

These latest images all but confirm that an iPhone 5 is set to be released in the coming weeks and show the home button and front camera attached to the LCD with metal brackets. The front facing camera is now located on the center of the device, similar to the iPad and iPod touch. The iPhone 5 front panel is expected to be attached to the two toned unibody shell, leaked several weeks ago. The shell would also be 4 inches, to match with the LCD screen.

Japanese site Macotakara has also released details suggesting that the square shaped metal piece at the bottom of the leaked panel may in fact be an NFC chip, which can be used to set up credit cards and other wireless features.

Apple’s next generation iPhone 5 is expected to be announced at a media event on September 12th, followed by a release in retail stores on September 21st. The iPhone 5 is also said to be accompanied by a new iPad Mini and the public release of iOS 6.

{Via MacRumors}

Earlier in the week, Sprint reduced the price of the iPhone 4S down to $149 on its website, likely in preparation of Apple’s announcement of iPhone 5 release date, next month. Apple’s prices remained steady even as carriers began to make changes, remaining at the $199/$299/$399 for the iPhone 4S, $99 for the iPhone 4, and free for the iPhone 3GS, all with a 2 year contract. However, now that Apple will be following suit and reducing prices on the 4S as well.

On Thursday, MacRumors reported that Apple would be reducing the price of the iPhone 4S and iPhone 4 models by $49.01, lowering the prices to $149.99/$249.99/$349.99 iPhone 4S, $49.99 for the iPhone 4, and free for the 3GS respectively. This offer is valid only when a customer requests for a price match and shows an offer for a lower priced iPhone.

Apple, with the latest discounts at its retail stores will now be leveling its prices with carriers and retailers across the country, and preparing to clear stock for upcoming iPhone 5 release date announcement. Apple’s price match discounts, according to the report, will only be available in Apple’s Retail Stores only. It is very likely that Apple will also extend this to their online store several weeks prior to the iPhone 5 release date.

Apple Inc. (AAPL) recently announced that they are planning to open their newest retail store in Barcelona, Spain on July 28th. The Cupertino company’s Passeig de Gràcia retail store will officially be opening on Saturday, July 28th at 10:00 AM. This is the same time of day that Apple holds all grand openings or reopenings around the world.

During grand openings, the company often gives out food from local bakeries and coffee shops, as well as the iconic commemorative t-shirts designed for each individual store. Apple’s Retail Stores often reflect a fair amount of culture from the town or country in which they are placed and in the Passeig de Gràcia retail store, the Cupertino company has used mosaics in the store’s logo.

The mosaics and construction barriers, adopt the artistic style of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí’s modernista style appears in many buildings and galleries across Spain, and reflects artistic accents from religion, as can be seen in the intricate mosaics at the Apple Store.

The mosaics at the Apple Store are made up of pieces of iOS icons from the App Store, and pulls together Gaudí’s style with Apple’s technological innovations. The Passeig de Gràcia will be Apple’s second store in Barcelona and eighth and most recent retail store in Spain.

{via MacRumors — Image Credit: Gadgetsteria}

Apple Inc. (AAPL) introduced their new Retina MacBook Pro during the company’s annual WWDC conference and since then has begun shipping the new device to all of its retail stores, as well as making it available for purchase online. About a week ago, the shipping estimate for the Retina MacBook Pro improved to 2-3 weeks. Since then, the shipping estimate has improved to 1-2 weeks.

This is typically the amount of time an in-demand product takes to ship after being on sale for several weeks. Apple’s other products, such as the iPhone 4S, and iPad also carried a similar shipping estimate upon release. This recent improvement to 1-2 weeks originally occurred in the Asia-Pacific market but is also spreading to other markets around the world, including the US, Europe, and Africa. The shipping estimates were at 3-4 weeks roughly 36 hours after the initial introduction.

Shipping estimates continue to improve around the world as Apple continues to increase manufacturing and output and the initial burst in demand slows a bit. In a few weeks, it is likely that the shipping estimate will improve to a week or less on both the online stores and in Apple’s brick and mortar stores, with the online store giving users the option to customize the Retina MacBook Pro with better specs.

During Apple’s Q3 earnings call Apple CEO Tim Cook estimated that the company would be able to catchup the huge backlog of demand sometime in August.

{via MacRumors}

Apple Inc. (AAPL) opened up a new retail store in NYC late last year, the Grand Central Station store but in the process, put one of its oldest locations in New York for renovations, the famous SoHo Store. Apple’s SoHo store underwent a major reconstruction earlier this year, and is set to reopen this Saturday. The SoHo location is only one of the 6 retail stores that Apple operates in New York City and serves most, if not all of lower Manhattan.

AAPL sent out emails to past customers and customers subscribed to the company’s newsletter, telling them to come down to the SoHo store and celebrate the repening of the location in its original spot. The store, located on Prince Street was temporarily moved a few blocks over, in order for Apple to renovate and expand the store. The temporary location was also two floors, with product displays on the first floors as well as a full Genius Bar, however, lacked the massive amphitheater that the original location offered.

The amphitheater is often used for celebrity visits, product demonstrations, and staff briefings. Apple rescheduled many of the events and relocated them to other stores, but brought them back for the reopening of the permanent SoHo store. The first 3,000 customers to visit the store will receive a commemorative t-shirt, similar to Apple’s other grand openings. The store will open on Saturday, July 14th at 10AM ET.

On Tuesday, Apple Inc. (AAPL) issued a press release, announcing that the 3rd generation iPad would be launching in China on July 20th.

In China the new iPad will be available through the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), select Apple Authorized Resellers and by reservation from Apple retail stores. Reservation requests will be accepted daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. beginning Thursday, July 19 for pick up the following day. Additionally, iPad 2 is available at a more affordable price starting at just $399 (US).

AAPL recently settled a dispute over the “iPad” trademark in China and was likely holding the release until the issue was resolved. The settlement was worth $60 million and gave Apple the rights to use the name. Although China is one the last countries to receive the new iPad 3, the introduction is a smart move by Apple and will positively affect their international revenue.

It should take only a week or two for China’s national trademark authority to transfer the iPad trademark for China to Apple, added Mr. Xie, of the Grandall Legal Group in Shenzhen.

China and other parts of Asia are a large part of Apple’s quarterly revenue and has become a crucial business strategy for the Cupertino, Calif. based company. Apple launched the new iPad earlier this year, in March, with an updated A5X chip, Retina Display, and a 5 megapixel iSight camera.

{via Apple}

Apple’s Retail stores are a window of the company to its customers, and a large part of the store’s atmosphere are the Genius’ and the Genius Bar. The efficient setup allows employees to easily help customers and form an orderly process to address issues that customers face with their products.

According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Best Buy is now changing the design of their Geek Squad Solutions Center to operate similarly to a Genius Bar, with customers sitting in front of a wood table and employees addressing their issues face to face as opposed to taking the device and repairing it behind closed doors.

The company is currently testing a prototype store in Richfield, Minn., with the new Solutions Central table. The prototype stores also allow customers to buy products from employees walking around the store with a device to ring up the sale, similar to Apple’s current checkout process.

Best Buy interim chief executive, Mike Mikan called the newly designed stores, “Best Buy 2.0”. Best Buy, with this new design is attempting to make customers the focal point of the store which it hasn’t really enforced in the past as opposed to stocking as many products as possible.

Best Buy stocks numerous Apple products, including the iPod, iPhone, and iPad as well as MacBooks and sells almost as many devices as Apple does in their own stores. Best Buy’s Apple-like design will attract more customers and surround them with enough knowledge to make a purchase in-store, and not just use the brick and mortar location to test the product and then purchase online. Best Buy has not yet announced when the design will begin to be implemented, but will likely do it if it receives a positive response from the prototype stores.

{via AppleInsider}