LOYAL Apple nuts flocked to stores across the globe today to get hold of the firm’s new gadgets – despite the deadly threat posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Photos snapped from Australia to Singapore reveal that scores of people weren’t put off by any infection risk as they lined up outside shops in socially distanced queues.
They arrived for the launch of a new iPad and Apple Watches, which were unveiled earlier this week but went on sale worldwide on Friday.
While many Apple fans will have ordered online, hundreds did got theirs the old fashioned way and turned up at the firm’s brick and mortar stores.
Shops had mandatory face masks and touchless temperature checks at the door to ensure the safety of customers.
The openings were a far cry from Apple launches of the past, however, with no snaking queues for entry or crowds of Apple staff applauding customers.
Images appeared to show dozens of customers socially distancing in a line that spilled outside of the Apple store at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands resort.
Similar images captured at the store in Sydney showed people wearing masks while waiting outside.
Apple closed its stored around the world as the coronavirus spread globally earlier this year.
It began reopening them in May with strict health and safety guidelines in place.
On top of mandatory face masks and temperature checks, only a handful of people were allowed in stores at a time.
Staff enforced social distancing inside and carried out regular cleaning of all surfaces.
Apple unveiled four gadgets on Tuesday, including two Apple Watches and two new iPads.
The Apple Watch Series 6 and cheaper Apple Watch SE, alongside the new iPad 8th generation, hit shelves today. The latest iPad Air is out next month.
Here's every smartwatch Apple has released to date...
What was missing, however, was a new iPhone.
Every year, Apple hosts a major autumnal event to showcase new tech – including an iPhone.
This year’s global health crisis threw a spanner in the works, however.
The new watches and tablets were revealed in the Apple September event with less fanfare than usual – while a bigger iPhone reveal is expected in the coming weeks.
The iPhone 12 is rumoured to be Apple’s first 5G phone and comes with new camera technology that helps it process futuristic augmented reality apps.
In other news, Android users are being warned not to download a specific phone background as it could crash their device.
Apple’s next AirPods could track your heart rate – using light sensors in your ears.
And, 3D designers have mocked up what the iPhone 12 could look like.
What do you think of Apple’s new gadgets? Let us know in the comments!
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