BRITS won’t be queueing outside the Apple Store for a chance to buy the new iPhone this year.
A new restricted system is in place over the weekend – before a full UK store closure on Monday.
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Apple is operating a restricted retail experience temporarily in the national mourning period leading up to the Queen’s state funeral.
The new iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro are due out on Friday, September 16.
Normally Apple fans would queue up outside stores across the UK ahead of opening – in hopes of bagging a new iPhone.
But on Friday, September 16, UK stores will be open from 8am for new product reservations only.
That means there are no walk-ins: if you haven’t reserved an iPhone, you won’t be able to enter.
Some small queues might form at Apple Stores, but they will be for reservation customers only – and are time-slotted.
There will be limited Genius Bar services, and no Today at Apple sessions.
But you will still be able to request a Personal Setup for your new iPhone.
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These rules will remain on place on Saturday, September 17 and Sunday, September 18.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s state funeral takes place on Monday, September 19 – and Apple Stores will be closed.
The date has been designated an official Bank holiday by the Government.
Businesses across the UK are being told to decide for themselves whether to remain open, closed, or offer limited services.
“This will allow individuals, businesses and other organisations to pay their respects to Her Majesty and commemorate Her reign, while marking the final day of the period of national mourning,” a UK government notice reads.
“This bank holiday will operate in the same way as other bank holidays, and there is no statutory entitlement to time off. Employers may include bank holidays as part of a worker’s leave entitlement.
“The bank holiday will take place across the United Kingdom.”
Here are the UK store opening hours:
- Friday – 8am to 9pm
- Saturday – 10am to 8pm
- Sunday – Noon to 6pm
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday – 10am to 8pm
Apple Store retail is due to return to normal on Tuesday, September 20.
From Tuesday in the UK, you’ll be able to walk into a store and pick up a new iPhone – if stock allows.
The temporary retail restrictions only affect the UK, and won’t impact US stores.
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This post first appeared on Thesun.co.uk
