REOPENING
Apple has reopened all 270 stores in the U.S. but safety guidelines are in place. (Photo: REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)

Apple promotes its in-person reservation system as the company discourages people from gathering and forming long lines outside Apple stores across the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought a lot of changes in the way companies and people do business. Government and agencies encourage people to observe social distancing and wear masks in areas where social distancing is not possible, as well as to avoid large crowds or gatherings. With this in mind, Apple has established an in-person reservation system where customers do not need to form lines to get their iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. In fact, the Cupertino-based tech giant is discouraging people from gathering or forming lines outside Apple Stores nationwide and instead, get their units through the in-person reservation system.

   

Every year, whenever Apple releases a new iPhone model, people would line up outside Apple Stores to get their hands on the new device before it is sold out. With the current health crisis, many are wondering how Apple would manage the crowd in long lines waiting to get inside and buy the new iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro. To deal with the situation, Apple came up with the in-person reservation system where the company allows users to pre-order or choose the store where they could pick up their iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. This way, Apple fans can still get their new devices without exposing them to the risk of COVID-19 infection.

Apple will also use a queue system where the staff provides customers with token numbers similar to those used in restaurants and banks. Once a customer's designated token number is shown, they can go inside the store and collect their new iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro. Apple said it will use its in-person reservation and queuing system to prevent lines from forming outside Apple Stores. The company also announced it will put in place standard safety protocols and make sure there is only minimal contact between customers and employees.

In some cases, there may be times when stores may ask customers to return at a particular time in case a queue forms. According to Apple, store staff will provide reservation slots for those gathering outside Apple stores and asked to return and buy later. With Apple's in-person reservation and queuing system, however, the company is sure long lines of customers waiting to get their new iPhone 12 or iPhone 12 Pro outside Apple outlets will be avoided. Some Apple stores, like the Union Square store in San Francisco, California, also announced they are not going to allow walk-in purchases. Store staff said that customers must make a reservation first to buy an iPhone 12 on launch day, though it is not clear if customers should pre-order or make such reservations on launch day.