Apple's new flagship store in Union Square, San Francisco, will set the standard for all future Apple Stores around the world. It's big, full of glass, and expensive to build. The front facade features 12m tall glass doors that slide open to welcome fans and passers-by in. Apple's senior VP of retail Angela Ahrendts even calls it Apple's largest product.
The front facade is made out of massive 12m tall glass. It can even slide open to welcome shoppers and passers-by in. It was designed such that the store itself can be a more natural extension of San Francisco's iconic Union Square district.
Walking through the large front doors brings you to the Avenue. This is where you'd find all the products that Apple makes. Further back is also where you'd find accessories like iPhone cases and Apple Watch straps, all curated by Apple.
A shopper ponders if she should upgrade to an iPhone 6s Plus.
The latest ultra-slim MacBooks, in various configurations and colors, are laid out for customers to try.
iPhone casings are put out on display to encourage shoppers to feel them and to try them on.
Apple Watch straps are also laid out for owners to feel and try on.
Two shoppers having fun with the iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil.
On the second floor is a large space called the Forum. Here is where Apple will conduct workshops, lectures, and sharing sessions for its customers. It goes without saying that these activities will be free-of-charge.
The display in the Forum is actually a 6K screen that is over 10m wide. It is used during talks, lectures and sharing sessions, and can be synced with devices to show what's happening real-time on a presenters' Apple device.
Behind the Forum is the Genius Grove where customers can get help with their Apple devices. Apple decided to eschew counters to create an area where Apple Geniuses can work more closely with customers to help with their problems. The trees are also specially placed to create a more inviting and calming atmosphere.
A customer receiving help from an Apple Genius. By removing traditional counters, the Genius Grove creates a more intimate environment for customers to receive help.
Behind the store is an area Apple calls the Plaza. It's Apple's gift to the city. This area will be open 24/7 with free Wi-Fi and will provide an area for the residents of San Francisco to meet and mingle. It can also be used to host talks, music performances, art exhibitions and more. Going forwards, Apple says that the Plaza will be a fixture in their new stores around the world.