Apple Set to Launch Official Retail Store Application for iOS?

[MacRumors]

MacRumors has heard from several sources that Apple is planning to launch a new iOS application tomorrow that will offer customers access to the company's online store and iPhone pre-ordering, as well as the ability to book Genius Bar appointments at brick-and-mortar retail stores.

As long ago as last November, we began hearing rumors of a "Concierge" iPhone application that would offer brick-and-mortar retail store scheduling services.

In addition, early last month we received word from a customer who had emailed Steve Jobs to ask about the possibility of an iPhone-friendly online Apple Store, to which the Apple CEO responded "Coming soon."

Consequently, it appears that Apple may be set to deliver an all-in-one application for the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch that will integrate retail store services with broader online shopping capabilities through the company's online store.

Article Link: Apple Set to Launch Official Retail Store Application for iOS?

 

[Grimace]

That actually sounds pretty awesome. It's the little details that really make owning Apple products fun!

 

[thevofl]

Good lord! What took them so long?

 

[number9]

Perfect. I'll be able to order my new iPhone from my old iPhone.

 

[Eddyisgreat]

took them long enough. There is an App for unlocking my car, getting coffee from starbucks w/ a digital wallet, taking credit cards, ordering food or laying down hot tracks, but I have to use their clunky non iPhone friendly site if I want to schedule an appointment with the genius bar >.<.

 

[tiptopp]

Good lord! What took them so long?

This.

I love the website through a full size browser, but I've always wondered why you can't browse anything on the Apple website on an iPhone (properly). So many other websites have at least optimised their sites for iPhone or other mobile, it seems slightly bizarre that Apple haven't up to now.

TT

 

[DanielSw]

Good lord! What took them so long?

Good Lord! Must there always be some gnome complaining about everything under the sun?

I've always been impressed with Apple retail stores, the staff, and the facilities for sales and service.

I see this as a logical enhancement to their already excellent system.

 

[number9]

This.

I love the website through a full size browser, but I've always wondered why you can't browse anything on the Apple website on an iPhone (properly). So many other websites have at least optimised their sites for iPhone or other mobile, it seems slightly bizarre that Apple haven't up to now.

TT

Not that I don't agree, but I think it may be the fact that they push the whole "you can get the 'full' internet" on the iPhone, and it supports all standards, including HTML5, which is what the Apple websites are written in. If they make separate iOS sites for everything, some people may see it as contradictory. Jusy my 2 cents.

 

[varunsanthanam]

took them freakin' long enough...

 

[kolax]

It'll be good until my iPhone breaks and I can't book an appointment.

 

[usasalazar]

Ho-hum

No Apple news all weekend and now this!

Yawn.

Oh well - it always did suck to navigate Apple's webpage from my iDevices.

 

[chim9999]

so i called 800-my-apple to see what time pre-order starts. she told me midnight but i didn't ask if that was pacific. anyone know if it is? i don't really want to call back.

 

[number9]

so i called 800-my-apple to see what time pre-order starts. she told me midnight but i didn't ask if that was pacific. anyone know if it is? i don't really want to call back.

I would assume so, though I'd hope for midnight eastern time, so I can order it 3 hours earlier!

 

[inkfid]

i'm hoping for 0000 UTC since I'm in London. I don't want to have to wait for US stores to update when we're ahead.

 

[spazzcat]

If you pre-order, do you have to wait in the same line?

 

[ingricky]

Perfect. I'll be able to order my new iPhone from my old iPhone.

That was a good one.

I love the tight integration that Apple is building across its products and services.

 

[gilkisson]

This is a good thing. I mean, iOS having an Apple Store app, that is. Not the iPhone-preorder stuff.

Now, if they will only produce an iPad version of Gallery and iDisk, and remove the last vestiges of Flash from MobilMe, we will be all set.

The hurrieder-up they go, seems the backwardsier they get.

 

[Karukuubis]

The app will be called, retail me, or Retail Me - take it as you'd like.

 

[macintouch]

If you pre-order, do you have to wait in the same line?

As far as I know, there will be a separate setup for those who have preordered. That's how they did it with iPad. But who knows - iPhone is a cheaper device and there may be more initial demand.

I'll be in New York Jun 22-26 and I'm hoping to pick one up at the 5th Avenue store but maybe that's wishful thinking?

 

[chim9999]

so i called 800-my-apple to see what time pre-order starts. she told me midnight but i didn't ask if that was pacific. anyone know if it is? i don't really want to call back.

just called apple again to see if midnight was pacific. of course got someone different and i was told 7am eastern.

 

[Snowy_River]

I like the idea of an Apple Store app. And, frankly, I agree with the sentiment "what took them so long?"

 

[pmz]

Good. About time too.

Apple is so far behind with their own App development. They haven't even bothered to work on a single App for the iPad, beyond their own (paid) iWork apps.

Where is MobileMe Gallery, iDisk, etc. for iPad?

 

[jazz1]

I would really like to order my new iPhone from my old iPhone or iPad. I'll be traveling on pre-order day so this would be a nice app. to have.

Here's hoping it will accommodate the renewal spiff. Last year I tried going though the Apple site to order the 3Gs and it would not recognize my phone number and/or subsidy. I had to go to ATT and do a store order.

 

[Willis]

The app will be called, retail me, or Retail Me - take it as you'd like.

Highly unlikely... maybe iConcierge is more likely

 

[crazy4apple]

just called apple again to see if midnight was pacific. of course got someone different and i was told 7am eastern.

so that will be 3am in london? some how i don't think apple will be doing that. i think it will be 7am in each individual country