Apple to Update 'Apple Store' iOS App With Full Build-to-Order Mac Customization Options

[MacRumors]

It is becoming clear that Apple is planning to roll out a number of changes to its store functionalities this weekend, including both online and brick-and-mortar purchasing platforms. With a number of tips regarding staff meetings set for Sunday morning at the company's retail stores, minor store makeovers, and now online order statuses going offline, Apple certainly seems to be seeking to roll out changes across the board.

While a revamped Apple Store application for iOS devices has been among the rumored rollouts for this weekend, we've now received a few additional details about changes coming to the app. According to sources, the revamped app will debut on Sunday with full support for customizing build-to-order Macs, offering the complete range of options currently available through Apple's website.

Customers are said to be able to customize the full range of processor, memory, hard drive, and other hardware options available for each model, as well as preinstalled software titles. In addition, customers will be able to select add-ons such as AppleCare and printers just as is currently possible through the full online Apple store portals.

The current Apple Store application supports only stock configurations for each model, along with the ability to add select options such as AppleCare and One to One.

Just over a year ago, we received word from a reader who had sent an email asking Apple CEO Steve Jobs whether the company had plans to roll out an iPhone-friendly version of its online store, to which Jobs reportedly responded "Coming soon." The company's Apple Store application appeared a little over a month later, but up until now has not supported the full range of ordering options available in the regular online store. With this update, it seems clear that Apple has opted to move the mobile ordering experience into an app rather than deploying it as a mobile-formatted website.

And just a few months ago, a number of job postings appeared suggesting that Apple was looking to make significant changes to its online store. We haven't yet heard, however, of any major changes coming to the regular online store this weekend aside from an update to the order status functionality, but it also seems rather soon for Apple to have filled the significant number of open positions and had the team in place long enough to complete a thorough redesign of the company's online store.

Article Link: Apple to Update 'Apple Store' iOS App With Full Build-to-Order Mac Customization Options

 

[Icaras]

I wonder if you'll be able to select educational or business pricing as well?

 

[Agent OrangeZ]

Well... even though it's cool that they are adding this to the app, I really think that if I am ordering something as expensive and as detailed as a built to order Mac, I will take the time to do it from a web browser on a computer.

 

[Zimmer62943]

when do we get the apple store app in australia!

 

[Moyank24]

Well... even though it's cool that they are adding this to the app, I really think that if I am ordering something as expensive and as detailed as a built to order Mac, I will take the time to do it from a web browser on a computer.

No doubt. Though, maybe iPad users will get more use out of that functionality?

I think I've only used that app to schedule and/or cancel genius appointments.

 

[sevimli]

Well... even though it's cool that they are adding this to the app, I really think that if I am ordering something as expensive and as detailed as a built to order Mac, I will take the time to do it from a web browser on a computer.

well said!

 

[Jowl]

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Be handy in the uk

 

[Žalgiris]

Well... even though it's cool that they are adding this to the app, I really think that if I am ordering something as expensive and as detailed as a built to order Mac, I will take the time to do it from a web browser on a computer.

You would and someone else wouldn't.

 

[CFreymarc]

Let's bring back custom colors. Better have images that we upload, silk-screened on the custom Mac!

 

[swingerofbirch]

I kind of have a thing about Apple encouraging so many apps that have no more functionality than a web app (site optimized for a small screen). But now I find out that the current Apple Store app actually has LESS functionality than the web-site! I thought the whole point of apps is to provide more than a web app could. Although I think the real reason is that where Microsoft failed, Apple is succeeding in making parts of the web monetized and proprietary.

Don't get me wrong--I love apps where there is value in it being an app. I just think that a lot of the 250,000 apps could be web apps (web pages).

 

[Michael383]

I think these additions to the Apple Store app are welcome.

 

[PraisiX-windows]

So technically one should be able to buy the 128 gb mba 13" and upgrade the processor + ram, without having to opt for the much more expensive 256 gb model?

 

[Javik]

So technically one should be able to buy the 128 gb mba 13" and upgrade the processor + ram, without having to opt for the much more expensive 256 gb model?

no

 

[Somian]

still no apple store app in germany =/

 

[retroneo]

After so long and this App still only works in one country....

 

[CJM]

... Just had a little eager search for the iOS Apple Store... Now I'm finding out it's not available just about everywhere.

Doesn't concern me; don't care!

 

[spillproof]

I don't understand the need for an app. I think making the website 3.5" and 10" touch screen friendly would be better.

 

[PraisiX-windows]

no

Hmm, so if this is not what they do, then it's sort of lame

 

[PraisiX-windows]

I think perhaps the good thing about this sort of an app vs website, is that they don't have to create a new website optimized for the smaller screens?

And that people might be able to access the app offline, making them need internet only to order?

I also think that the servers used by Apple will be stressed less due to the fact that it will only have to process finished orders, not everyone's change to the hardware lineup and everyone's browsing around in the shop, i.e. only people actually buying something and not everyone just checking out the different options?

 

[jdwagner888]

Its about time they give it a face lift!

 

[ciTiger]

Too bad it's only available in the US store... At least it isn't available in my country's store.

 

[TheUndertow]

Well... even though it's cool that they are adding this to the app, I really think that if I am ordering something as expensive and as detailed as a built to order Mac, I will take the time to do it from a web browser on a computer.

It sounds like you can then go into the store and order said BTO which IMO is great.

I've been on the fence with whether to go BTO or pick up a Best Buy box model...mostly due to Sales Tax shipping via Apple Online.

 

[*LTD*]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPad; U; CPU OS 4_2 like Mac OS X; en) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C134b Safari/6533.18.5)

Well... even though it's cool that they are adding this to the app, I really think that if I am ordering something as expensive and as detailed as a built to order Mac, I will take the time to do it from a web browser on a computer.

Yes, as in, the iPad.

I do online shopping and major transactions on my iPhone, never mind something as big and comfortable as the iPad. You should have no problems at all.

 

[zin]

An international version would be great, also.

 

[propynyl]

iPad = computer