What it was like to buy an iPhone 12 in person at the Apple Store during a pandemic

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• What it was like to buy an iPhone 12 in person at the Apple Store during a pandemic

I finally have an iPhone 12 in hand, but I've never experienced an Apple Store launch schedule quite like this, and I've been lining up those long lines for TechRadar ever since the iPhone 5S and iPhone 6 launched. Gone are the willing Apple stalwarts. to wait two days (sometimes more) in a line that would end up going around an entire block in New York. And gone are the old media asking the same dumb questions: "What time did you get here? All because of a phone?" Instead of being packed with techies, the lineup I experimented with was subdued, socially distant, and strictly temperature controlled on both launch days: The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro launched on October 23. and the iPhone 12 mini and iPhone 12 Pro Max launched on November 13. In short, he was safe. Not all the experiences I had in New York were like this. In the Apple Store, however, it's mandatory to wear masks correctly and everyone online has followed that guide from what I've seen. I got my new iPhone in a process that was actually faster than in years past. If you're shopping for an iPhone 12 in person, here's what to expect.

(Image credit: future)

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 went live, at least for the iPhone 12 Pro in Pacific Blue and the happy one. half 256 GB of storage that I really wanted. Pro tip: Even when iPhone 12 shipments start to lag after the first day, you can still order a phone and pick it up at an Apple Store a little faster. The flagship Apple Store 5th Avenue in New York had opening hours. I have been lucky. It is better to have an order in advance. On launch day, I saw Apple Store workers turn away several people trying to buy the new iPhone as walk-ins. It seemed to be the case throughout the day at my particular location. Even though I had a specific schedule, I logged in late after taking these photos. In my experience from years past, you won't be held against if you're late, and that was true in 2020. But avoid getting there early as you may have to wait outside the queue. . The planning system is there to avoid overcrowding.

(Image credit: future)

Have you ever taken a test to buy an iPhone?

"Do you feel sick or have you been exposed to the coronavirus?" Of course not. It immediately struck me: it's the new mandatory "Did you pack your bags yourself?" ask at the airport. I felt good, luckily. In my experience, people sometimes believe you when you say this. Sometimes not. My temperature was checked, and so was everyone's forehead online (don't worry, the infrared thermometer doesn't actually touch anyone's forehead). Three weeks later, when the iPhone 12 launched for the second time, thermometers were pointed at everyone's wrists, so the procedure may vary depending on your location. There were markers on the sidewalk to indicate where to stand so that you were six feet from the next person. No, these aren't fancy Apple stickers like you might expect, just regular strips of duct tape. The front of the line followed the six-foot rule better than the back, which meanders down a side street away from employees' eyes. But no one has ever come within a meter or four feet of another person.

(Image credit: future)

Apple's historically wide tables have proven useful

The Fifth Avenue Apple Store is deceptively huge. The entrance is a giant glass cube containing a glossy white Apple logo hanging from the top and spiraling metal steps leading to the iPhone 12 and iPad Air 4 items below the floor. Before going through these steps on my own (in a typical pitch, you're presented as a group), I put my hands under the hand sanitizer dispenser. It is the first of many hand sanitizers available in the Apple Store.

(Image credit: Future) Every Apple Store I've been to has very long and fairly wide wooden tables, and at a normal point in history, a friendly clerk will stand next to you and work on your order or problem if you are on Apple. genius bar . But, today, the full width of Apple tables is used to enforce social distancing. This puts a physical barrier to your natural inclination to approach and be friendly with the person you're talking to (and who will get you a new iPhone).

(Image credit: Future) I opened the QR code in my confirmation email and the Apple Store clerk was able to see my order information while still being socially distant. I received my phone and got to see the iPhone 12 cases. Eventually, I was able to walk out another door (not all Apple Stores have this helpful way of keeping traffic flowing).

(Image credit: Future) My iPhone 12 Pro shopping experience lacked the pomp and circumstance of a typical Apple launch day, and I miss it. But did I feel safe? Yes, in that particular place there was enough space to give me that feeling of security. I felt comfortable enough with the steps in place to start over. But I expect the lines to return for the iPhone 13 launch next year for a number of reasons.