Apple planning something?

[rav3n]

Apple planning major product launch for 10th retail anniversary?

Speculate away.

[evmorg]

Possibly the formal introduction of the Square credit card reader devices as the basis for card transactions at all Apple stores, replacing the custom developed hardware/software combination they're currently using. Just guessing, based on this.

[Exocet]

I don't see why Apple would need to shroud the entire store for the sake of changing their payment processing system. That said I've got no idea what might be planned

[the8thark]

In my opinion this can only be possibly for the following reasons:

1. 10th Anniversary celebrations
2. T-Mobile/Sprint iphone
3. Drastic pricing change
4. A training exercise

And this is what I think about each one.

1. 10th Anniversary celebrations
Very possible. And if they are handing out T-shirts etc you'd only need one back of store guy to organise it. And maybe a genius or two if they are having 10th Anniversary slide shows on their display models in store. And the NDA would be there to make it all secret. But I thought Apple would want this to be a world wide thing, so more global sales. The US only thing makes me thing this is not it. Maybe Apple do want it to be US only. And if this is the case it'd be very silly indeed.

And it's not advertised. I'm sure Apple would want to let the world know "come to our 10th Anniversary event"

2. T-Mobile/Sprint iphone
Not too possible. The geniuses and back staff requirements are there. The NDA would be needed too. And it meets the US only requirement. But even the white iphone got a mention on the website before it was released. Plus Apple retail staff would only find about it the same day the public do. So unlikely.

3. Drastic pricing change.
Rather likely. To stay competitive in the market. Would be a US only price change. But why would you need back of house and geniuses there for that. You wouldn't. So it does not add up 100% like the rest.

4. A training exercise
Rather likely. It's just a meeting. For everyone to attend. But then why all the cloak and dagger stuff like locking phones away, black curtains and NDAs. Unless it is a dress rehearsal for an even bigger launch in the coming days.

I think all 4 have reasons why they can and can not be plausible. But for me the most likely one is 4.

[yagankiely]

Is it international?

[moothia]

I'm hearing the same whispers here in Melbourne from a reasonable source - nothing more than that tho.

[OziMac]

3. Drastic pricing change.
Rather likely. To stay competitive in the market. Would be a US only price change. But why would you need back of house and geniuses there for that. You wouldn't. So it does not add up 100% like the rest.

Don't see how this is at all likely. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see some better bang for buck, but they seem to be plenty profitable at their current pricing, so there's no real driver to change that now.

[the8thark]

Is it international?

Supposedly yes.

"This Saturday (21st), all Australian (at least) retail stores will under go visual merchandising from 6pm – 6am (22nd),"
"A sheet will be raised to prevent any one seeing inside, and from 6am – 10am, all apple [sic] retail staff will participate in a compulsory meeting.

Apple preparations global, may be tied to 'Apple Store 2.0'

[MattJelonek]

A new store experience will occur this Saturday across Australia.... First time zone for the world and it's market... So get excite guys!!!!

[mitty]

^I'm not sure what they can change about the "Store Experience".

Unless every visit includes free cake. Or bacon.

[lavo]

@Mitty

They need to curtain up to install the portable frying pans next to each display Mac. iBacon.

[Lutze]

@Mitty

They need to curtain up to install the portable frying pans next to each display Mac. iBacon.

As long as the iBacon is cooked in iLard then I'll be there with my napkin!

[Geoff3DMN]

As long as the iBacon is cooked in iLard then I'll be there with my napkin!

What? No iNapkin?!

[Lutze]

What? No iNapkin?!

I had to try to keep the thread going for others - there is, of course, icuttlefish to be named

[alzzla]

I had to try to keep the thread going for others - there is, of course, icuttlefish to be named

Hope iBeer is serve, or I aint going to my local store to see whats different. lol Sorry couldn't resist joining in.

[stomick]

Maybe this has got something to do with it...


Free Apple products on Judgement Day, perhaps?!

[nibbles]

You wouldn't want that iBacon in the iFrier to be putting fat all over the iMacs unless they are introducing some form of iRecipe book which can handle all the iFoods as well as all the regular foods.

Seriously though, no idea what's coming. Maybe some special sale, could explain the online store going down on wednesday but those boxes and a NDA? That I can't explain.

[MattJelonek]

BACON!?!?!? WHERE?

[opilot87]

Only a matter of hours until we find out...

Ollie

[yagankiely]

A new store experience will occur this Saturday across Australia.... First time zone for the world and it's market... So get excite guys!!!!

Gonna loose that to New Zealond soonish.

Would've thought they'd try and get the New Zealand store up for this, I believe it would be Apple's 12th country?