Apple is planning to make big changes to its retail stores by demoting the iPod to store shelves and ditching its iPad-powered Smart Signs, according to a new report, citing several Apple retail managers. The changes are expected to appear in stores across the U.S. today.
“Apple Store accessory walls will now be home to the recently-updated iPod line,” reports 9to5Mac. “Now, when a customer wants to buy an iPod, she or he can simply pull it off a shelf without needing to wait for the product to be brought from the back room.”
Until now, store shelves were typically used for accessories and accompanying products — such as Apple Watch straps, Mac accessories, iPhone and iPad cases, and headphones — rather than Apple’s main products. But the Cupertino has almost been phasing out the iPod over the past few months.
Despite its recent refresh, the iPod no longer gets the same treatment as other, more popular Apple products. It now goes without its annual refresh, and the iPod category no longer appears along the top of Apple’s Online Store; you have to hunt for it at the bottom of the homepage.
In addition to moving the iPod lineup, Apple is also expected to remove most of its iPad-powered Smart Signs, which currently sit alongside Macs, iPhones, and other Apple devices and display interactive product guides and pricing information.
“Instead of Smart Signs, Apple will begin pre-loading price information and product details onto display iPhones, iPads, and Macs themselves,” adds 9to5. “Apple will use the new space to install more devices that potential customers can test on the show floor.”
The iPad mini displays that sit alongside the Apple Watch are expected to remain, and some Smart Signs are expected to stick around for a little while longer in larger stores while Apple undertakes the full transition.
It’s thought Apple decided to remove the Smart Signs after it found that they were confusing to some customers, who were unaware that they were simply there for informational purposes and could not be used as regular iPad demo units.
Apple made these changes in stores across the U.S. overnight, the source say, so they should be present when doors open today.
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