When the Apple Store was down this morning we were hopeful that Apple might have been launching a new iMac, or the 13in MacBook Pro with Retina Display, even making it possible to pre-order the iPhone 5.
But unfortunately it was nothing that exciting.
Apple has contacted us this morning to confirm that a new feature has been added to the Apple Online Store, however.
The new feature is basically online training with an Apple specialist for new iPad and iPhone owners. It’s an alternative to the calling Apple with your questions.
Apple told us: “In addition to customers already being able to chat, request a call with a specialist and experience a guided tour of the store, now customers can schedule an online session to set up their iPhone or iPad device. When you have a new product, Specialists are on hand to help you get set up, configure your email, stay in sync with iCloud and more.”
“Our Specialists will take the time to understand your needs and answer all your questions. We don’t work on commission, so we care only about making sure you’re completely satisfied with your purchase,” states Apple’s webpage about the service.
To qualify for an online setup session, a customer must have purchased an iPad or iPhone through an Apple Product Specialist by clicking the Ask Now button on the iPhone or iPad pages.
By putting specialists online Apple may be freeing up some of their Genius Bar staff. Apple has seen 300 million visitors to its 375 worldwide retail stores since October 2011, the beginning of its fiscal year 2012. The company also gets 50,000 Genius Bar visits every day.
Apple has been considering ways to make the Apple Stores more profitable for some time, according to reports.
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Author: Karen Haslam, Editor
Macworld editor since 2008, Karen has worked on both sides of the Apple divide, clocking up a number of years at Apple's PR agency prior to joining Macworld almost two decades ago.
Karen's career highlights include interviewing Apple's Steve Wozniak and discussing Steve Jobs’ legacy on the BBC. Her focus is Mac, but she lives and breathes Apple.