Apple Stores in England expected to close as country enters month-long lockdown

Apple is expected to announce the closure of its stores across England as the country has confirmed it will enter a month-long lockdown beginning Thursday, November 5th.

Confirmed today, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said a four-week lockdown will be introduced as of next week, with nonessential businesses set to close, which suggests like other retailers, Apple Stores will likely be closed until the lockdown is lifted.

The closure of retail stores will mean customers who intended to visit an Apple Store to collect their new iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 12 Pro Max, which were due to launch in-store on Friday, November 13th will instead need to order online to receive their devices on launch day.

It is unclear how Apple will deal with customers wishing to join or re-enroll in the iPhone Upgrade Program, which requires customers to visit an Apple Store in person to complete their loan agreement.

Apple Store closures could lead to iPhone Upgrade Program customers in England not getting the iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 12 Pro Max until December. https://t.co/JCI79NA1T1 pic.twitter.com/MHDr1iIVqP

— theapplepost.com (@TheApplePost) October 31, 2020

Apple.com is still showing stores across England as open beyond Thursday when the lockdown will kick-in, although the company is expected to update its website and officially confirm the country-wide closures soon.