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I finally have an iPhone 12 in hand, but I’ve never experienced an Apple Store launch show like this, and I’ve covered those long lines for TechRadar – from the launch lines of iPhone 5S and iPhone 6.
Gone are the die-hard Apple people willing to wait two days (sometimes more) in a line that would end up winding around an entire city block in New York. And gone are the old media that ask the same silly questions: “What time did you get here? All for a phone?”
Instead of teeming with early tech followers, the line I experimented with was subdued, appropriately socially distanced, and strictly temperature-controlled on both days of launch – the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro released on the 23rd. October, and the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max were released on November 13.
In short, it was safe.
Not all experiences have been like this for me in New York, especially in grocery stores where it’s sometimes free for everyone. At the Apple Store, however, it’s mandatory to wear masks properly and everyone online has followed that guideline from what I’ve seen. I got my new iPhone in a process that was actually faster than in previous years.
If you’re going to buy an iPhone 12 in person, here’s what to expect.
Know before you go
While trying to pre-order the iPhone 12 series I ran into some issues: deliveries were already three weeks before the Apple Store website loaded – at least for the iPhone 12 Pro in Pacific Blue and the happy one. medium 256 GB of storage that I really wanted.
Pro tip: Even when iPhone 12 shipments start to slip past day one, you can order a phone and pick it up at an Apple Store a bit faster. The Apple Store 5th Avenue flagship in New York had open hours. I was lucky.
It is best to have an order in place in advance. On launch day, I saw Apple Store workers turn down several people who were trying to buy the new iPhone as walk-in people. It seemed to be the case for the whole day at my particular location.
Although I had a specific time slot, I got online late after taking these photos. In my experience from years past, it won’t be held against you if you are late, and that was true in 2020. But avoid showing up early as you might have to wait out of line. The planning system is there to avoid overcrowding.
Have you ever taken a test to buy an iPhone?
“Are you feeling sick or have you been exposed to the coronavirus?”
No of course not. It immediately struck me: it’s the new mandatory “Did you pack your bags yourself?” question at the airport. I felt good, luckily. In my experience, people sometimes believe you when you say this. Sometimes not.
My temperature was checked – just like everyone’s forehead online (don’t worry, the infrared thermometer isn’t actually touching anyone’s forehead). Three weeks later, when the iPhone 12 was launched for the second time, thermometers were pointed at everyone’s wrists, so the procedure may vary depending on your location.
Markers were on the sidewalk to indicate where to stand so you were six feet from the next person. No, these aren’t fancy Apple decals like you’d expect – just regular strips of duct tape.
The front of the line followed the six-foot rule better than the back, which winds down a side street away from the employees’ eyes. But no one has ever come within three to four feet of another person.
Apple’s historically wide tables have proven useful
The Apple Store on 5th Avenue is deceptively massive. The entrance is a giant glass cube that contains a glossy white Apple logo hanging from the top and spiraling metal steps that lead to the iPhone 12 and iPad Air 4 goodies under the floor.
Before I went through these steps on my own (in a typical launch you’re introduced as a group), I got my hands under the hand sanitizer dispenser. It is the first of many hand sanitizers available throughout the Apple Store.
Every Apple Store I have been to has very long and fairly wide wooden tables, and at a normal point in history, a friendly employee will stand next to you and work on your order or issue if you are at Apple. Genius Bar. .
But, today, the full width of Apple’s tables is used to force social distancing. This puts a physical barrier to your natural inclination to get closer and be friendly with the person you’re talking to (and who’s going to get you a brand new iPhone).
I brought up the QR code in my confirmation email and the Apple Store employee was able to view my order information while remaining socially distant. I received my phone and was free to look at the iPhone 12 cases. In the end, I was able to exit through another door (not all Apple stores have this useful way of keeping traffic flowing) .
My iPhone 12 Pro buying experience lacked the pomp and circumstances of a typical Apple launch day, and I miss it. But did I feel safe? Yes, in that particular location there was enough space to give me that sense of security. I felt comfortable enough with the measures in place to start over. Deep down inside, though, I’m hoping the lines and media attention will return for the iPhone 13 launch next year for a number of reasons.
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