Apple Store Unveils New Layout Showcasing Merged Genius Bar and Pickup Counter

### The Advancement of Apple’s Pickup Counter: Improving Customer Experience

A specialized Pickup counter has surfaced as a vital innovation in the design of Apple stores in recent years, simplifying the process for customers choosing in-store pickup of their online purchases. This initiative, launched in 2021, marks a transition towards a more effective retail experience.

#### Express Counters Leading to Pickup

Apple’s progression towards swift pickup initiated over ten years ago with the launch of Express Counters. These counters showcased a variety of sought-after products, including iPhones and iPads, and found particular success in markets like China. The COVID-19 pandemic further propelled the rise of curbside pickup for pre-ordered goods, underscoring the need for a faster collection method. This prompted the creation of the Pickup counter, enabling customers to collect their orders in just minutes, drastically cutting down wait times compared to conventional approaches.

#### Merging Genius Bar and Pickup Counter

Recently, Apple has unified the Pickup counter with the Genius Bar in its modern store layouts, including the new Apple Hebbal store in Bengaluru, India. This integration acts as an efficient space-saving solution in smaller retail settings while ensuring a straightforward and effective pickup process for customers. The configuration allows for quick order collection with minimal hassle, even though it may slightly increase foot traffic at the Genius Bar. Nevertheless, the short duration of pickup visits is not expected to create substantial congestion.

#### Apple Hebbal Store

The Apple Hebbal store exemplifies this innovative design concept, with no significant alterations reported in its configuration. For those curious, a collection of images from the store’s grand opening is available in Apple’s official announcement. Furthermore, customers can acquire exclusive wallpapers from the new store, deepening their connection to the brand.

#### Featured Accessories

Apple persistently highlights the role of accessories in enriching the user experience. The amalgamation of the Pickup counter with the Genius Bar not only maximizes space but also reinforces Apple’s dedication to delivering a seamless shopping experience. As the company evolves its retail approach, the emphasis continues to be on customer convenience and satisfaction.

In summary, Apple’s Pickup counter signifies a noteworthy progression in retail design, reflecting the company’s ability to adapt to shifting consumer demands and preferences. By merging essential services such as product pickup and technical support, Apple is establishing new benchmarks in customer service within the technology retail sector.

CarPlay Ultra Anticipated to Debut on Budget Electric Vehicles After Luxury Car Rollout

### The Launch of CarPlay Ultra: A Revolutionary Shift for In-Car Technology

Apple CarPlay has solidified its place in contemporary automobiles, enriching the driving journey by merging iPhone features with automotive systems. This year, Apple has unveiled CarPlay Ultra, a noteworthy enhancement that guarantees more profound integration with a car’s user interface. Initially limited to luxury vehicles costing approximately $200,000, the market is anticipated to shift with the arrival of budget-friendly alternatives.

#### What is CarPlay Ultra?

CarPlay Ultra signifies a significant progression in Apple’s in-vehicle technology. Unlike its earlier version, which largely duplicated iPhone applications onto the automobile’s screen, CarPlay Ultra supersedes the entire user interface of the car. This implies that not only do drivers gain access to their preferred applications, but they can also manage critical features such as climate control and navigation directly via an Apple-crafted interface. The system is showcased on both the main infotainment display and the digital instrument cluster positioned behind the steering wheel, fostering a seamless user experience.

#### Current Availability and Future Outlook

Presently, Aston Martin is the sole car manufacturer to have integrated CarPlay Ultra into its vehicles. Nonetheless, various other brands are investigating the incorporation of this sophisticated system into their forthcoming models. Particularly, Hyundai is ready to make a noteworthy entry in this domain with its forthcoming Ioniq 3 electric vehicle.

#### The Hyundai Ioniq 3: A Possible Revolutionary Product

As per insights from Top Gear, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 is slated to support CarPlay Ultra, potentially making it the first budget electric vehicle to feature this advanced integration. With an approximate price of $35,000, the Ioniq 3 is anticipated to offer a range of about 365 miles on a single charge, presenting an appealing choice for buyers seeking both affordability and state-of-the-art technology.

The Ioniq 3 will come equipped with a digitally-centric interface that not only incorporates CarPlay Ultra but also permits extensive personalization. This includes innovative synthesized sound effects that elevate the driving experience, further resonating with the contemporary digital lifestyle.

#### Conclusion

The debut of CarPlay Ultra signifies a notable advancement in the amalgamation of technology within vehicles. With the Hyundai Ioniq 3 poised to introduce this sophisticated system at a more attainable price point, it could lead the way for a wider acceptance of CarPlay Ultra in the automotive sector. As manufacturers persist in innovating and adopting new technologies, consumers can anticipate a more interconnected and intuitive driving experience. The Hyundai Ioniq 3 will be highlighted at the Munich Motor Show from September 9 to September 14, providing an initial glimpse of this thrilling new vehicle.

Apple Ought to Think About Bringing Back This Previously Eliminated iMac Feature

### Target Display Mode: A Retrospective and Its Potential Comeback

Some time ago, Apple incorporated a software function within macOS on previous iMac models referred to as Target Display Mode. This function enabled users to utilize their iMac as an external display, offering an additional screen option when the iMac became too obsolete to operate effectively as a computer. Nevertheless, with the launch of the 5K iMac in 2015, Apple phased out this feature due to technical constraints that existed at that time.

#### Technical Constraints and Phasing Out

The main factor behind the phasing out of Target Display Mode was Thunderbolt 2’s inability to support the high display bandwidth necessary for 5K resolution. Consequently, the final iMac models that could utilize this feature were those released in 2014, which had displays of lower resolution. Apple commenced phasing out the functionality with the introduction of macOS Mojave, meaning that users with 2014 iMacs or earlier could not upgrade to Mojave and employ their machines as external displays. The feature was entirely eliminated with the advent of macOS Big Sur, making older iMacs unrecognized as possible display outputs.

#### Present Technology Landscape

Currently, advancements in technology, especially with Thunderbolt 4 and Apple Silicon, have significantly enhanced bandwidth capacities. This prompts the inquiry: Could Apple bring back Target Display Mode? Many believe that Apple might be reluctant, as it could affect sales of their Studio Display, which is priced higher than an iMac yet lacks computational abilities. Critics contend that reintroducing Target Display Mode could deter potential customers from selecting the Studio Display.

#### Arguments for Reintroduction

Although the Studio Display caters to a niche market, there are strong arguments for considering the return of Target Display Mode. While the iMac remains a viable choice, it has drawbacks like a smaller display size and lower brightness compared to newer options. Reinstating this feature would enable current iMac owners to prolong the life of their devices, preventing these high-quality displays from being wasted as users transition to newer models.

#### Sustainability and Future Implications

Apple has made sustainability a fundamental aspect of its product design ethos. Thus, it appears contradictory to eliminate a function that could extend the useful life of the iMac, especially when it could be achieved through a simple software update. Moreover, there are rumors that the next iteration of the Studio Display may incorporate a 120Hz miniLED panel, making it a more appealing choice for consumers evaluating display specifications.

#### Conclusion

To sum up, the possible reintroduction of Target Display Mode could benefit both Apple and its users. It would offer a pragmatic solution for current iMac users while aligning with Apple’s sustainability objectives. As technology progresses, it may be prudent for Apple to reconsider this feature, enabling users to optimize the functionality of their devices.

Future Iterations of Apple Vision Pro: Anticipated Advancements and Timeline

There have been numerous distinct speculations regarding Apple’s forthcoming spatial computer. Is Apple focusing on a budget-friendly model, or is it going all in with a second generation Pro version? Today, we will encapsulate all the rumors surrounding the Vision headset.

## Next-gen Vision Pro

In the approaching months, Apple is set to unveil an upgrade for the Apple Vision Pro. Speculations have varied regarding whether it will feature an M4 chip or an M5 chip, although current indications suggest a preference for the forthcoming M5 chip. This will provide a significant performance enhancement over the existing M2 chip.

Reports suggest that Apple is also ‘prototyping’ new head straps aimed at making the headset feel lighter on the wearer’s head, despite the overall headset design remaining largely the same.

Aside from that, it will be a slight refresh. Apple might introduce a variant with an enhanced neural engine compared to a standard M4 or M5 chip.

## Vision Pro: Mac edition

Looking further ahead, Apple is contemplating a more Mac-dependent iteration of the Vision Pro. This headset would cater to users who utilize the Vision Pro for specialized applications, such as surgical overlays and flight simulators. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman:

> Instead, it’s now developing a Vision Pro that connects to a Mac. The distinction between the two concepts is the degree of immersion. The previously shelved device featured transparent lenses; the ongoing project will employ a similar method as the Vision Pro.

The intention is to establish an ultra-low-latency system for streaming a user’s Mac display or linking to high-end enterprise software.

Apple was earlier engaged in creating a variant of augmented reality glasses that would sync with a Mac, and it appears that Apple is attempting to revive that now-shelved concept in the form of a headset.

## Long-rumored Vision Air

Since the launch of the product, rumors about a more affordable Vision Pro have surfaced, possibly even before its initial release. We’ve been hearing about a so-called Vision Air model that promises to reduce both weight and cost for quite some time.

In recent months, there has been an increased amount of information, and Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman confirms that Apple is, in fact, working on a lighter and less expensive Vision Pro. However, he does mention that tariffs might complicate efforts to achieve price reductions.

Gurman provides limited details on how Apple plans to make it lighter and more affordable, but he does mention that Apple aims to address neck strain issues. Design efforts are expected to be completed ‘next year’, with a release anticipated within the following year. Thus, by 2027, we should finally see a lighter Vision Pro.

## Glasses

Although AR glasses aren’t expected to arrive immediately, Apple CEO Tim Cook is reportedly “hell bent” on outpacing Meta in launching a pair of industry-leading AR glasses.

In the meantime, we are aware that Apple is developing a set of smart glasses. Envision Meta Ray-Bans, but with Apple’s touch. These glasses will be lightweight equipped with cameras, speakers, mics, but without displays – making them ideal for engaging with AI. According to Gurman, such a product is set to debut in 2026.

Hopefully, Siri and Apple Intelligence will be ready by then.

iPhone 17 Air Anticipated to Broaden US Feature Accessibility to More Countries

### The Transition to eSIM: What to Anticipate with the iPhone 17 Series

In merely ten days, Apple is poised to reveal its much-awaited iPhone 17 series, and one feature poised to have a substantial effect is the prospective shift to eSIM technology for mobile connectivity. This transition, which has been confined to U.S. models since the iPhone 14, is anticipated to go global, signifying a remarkable change in how users will access mobile networks.

#### The Existing State of SIM Technology

Since the launch of the iPhone 14, Apple has adopted eSIM technology solely in the United States, while continuing to offer physical SIM trays in most other regions. In China, for example, users have the choice of using two physical SIM cards within a single iPhone. This differentiation has enabled Apple to respond to various regional preferences and regulatory needs.

#### The iPhone 17 and eSIM-Exclusive Models

As speculation intensifies surrounding the iPhone 17, industry experts propose that Apple might implement an eSIM-exclusive design for some or all models, especially the ultra-slim iPhone 17 Air. This model is expected to eliminate the physical SIM tray to optimize internal space, consistent with Apple’s ongoing aim to produce more streamlined devices.

Notable analysts like Ming-Chi Kuo and sources from The Information have suggested that the eSIM-exclusive feature will probably be incorporated into the international versions of the iPhone 17 Air. Furthermore, recent insights from MacRumors indicate that Apple is training its retail staff in the European Union to accommodate eSIM-exclusive iPhone models, with training expected to conclude right before the product launch.

#### Consequences of the Change

The move to eSIM technology could enhance the user experience by making it easier to switch carriers and manage several phone numbers. Users will no longer need to physically exchange SIM cards, which can be especially advantageous for frequent travelers and those who prefer handling multiple lines on a single device.

#### Forthcoming Apple Event

Apple’s autumn event is set for September 9, where the company is likely to unveil the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Air, iPhone 17 Pro, and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Alongside the new iPhones, the Apple Watch Series 11, Apple Watch Ultra 3, and AirPods Pro 3 are also expected to be announced.

As the launch date nears, tech enthusiasts and consumers alike are excited to see how these modifications will influence the future of mobile connectivity. 9to5Mac will offer detailed coverage of the event, ensuring that all the latest news is reported in real-time.

Stay tuned for further updates as Apple gears up to transform its smartphone offerings with the iPhone 17 series.