As it eases back to normal operations, Apple this week took steps to prepare Apple Store staff and customers for a return to in-person “Today at Apple” classes at its retail locations in the U.S. and Europe.
Apple informed Apple Store employees of plans to restart in-person classes on Aug. 30, but said the effort could be delayed depending on local COVID-19 conditions, Bloomberg reported Monday. Sessions will be available at most U.S. locations.
The internal announcement was accompanied by an opening of reservations for Today at Apple sessions through the company’s website. Customers can now sign up for classes in their area, with currently available slots limited to Aug. 30.
In-person Today at Apple classes were halted in March 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic took hold across the globe, with the presentations replaced with virtual sessions and special online learning opportunities. A limited number of stores in China reactivated in-store sessions in August 2020 as COVID-19 restrictions eased, though lockdowns and recent case surges have kept the service unavailable in most countries.
Apple Stores in the U.S. began to reopen earlier this year, though Apple continues to limit occupancy and has made changes to store floor plans to accommodate social distancing protocols. In July, as COVID-19 cases surged, the company reversed a month-old decision to drop mask requirements at most U.S. Apple Stores.
