[U] Apple to offer click-and-collect at Apple Stores in England during lockdown
Update: The Apple Post now understands that the iPhone Upgrade Program will not be available as part of Apple’s click-and-collect service as it was initially believed. This story has been updated accordingly with the most up-to-date information.
Apple will offer click-and-collect at stores in England during the country’s national lockdown, which begins on Thursday, November 5, by offering pickup services for customers who place orders online or through the Apple Store app.
It is understood that stores will facilitate returns and allow customers to collect a device that has already repaired by an in-store technician.
It was originally believed that Apple would be forced to close its stores in England completely, as the Government announced non-essential retail would be forced to close until at least December 2, although it later became apparent that locations which offer operate click-and-collect would be able to serve customers in a limited capacity.
Until the lockdown resections are eased, usual in-store services such as personal set up, Genius Bar appointments, and device trade-in programs will be paused, including the iPhone Upgrade Program, which The Apple Post understood was initially was planned to be available as part of the click-and-collect service.
This means customers currently enrolled on the iPhone Upgrade Program wishing to upgrade to either the iPhone 12 mini or iPhone 12 Pro Max, which are set to launch on Friday, November 13 following pre-orders beginning tomorrow, will need to wait until stores resume their usual operations to enrol or re-enrol in the program.
Apple is expected to offer an Express storefront at its stores in England, similar to that first seen at a handful of locations in the US, which sees customers served by staff standing behind a perspex screen with a speaker system.
Opening hours for each Apple Store in England can be found here.