The Apple Orchard Road opens its doors to the public tomorrow (27 May), and selected members of the media from the region were invited for a preview of the store ahead of the opening.
Here’s an extensive look at what’s inside the huge double-storey store at the heart of Singapore’s high-end shopping district.
All images captured on iPhone 7 Plus, and have been lightly edited and resized for mobile consumption.
The storefront is typical of a post-Jony Ive designed Apple store, with floor-to-ceiling glass panes that brings in loads of natural light.
Outside, eight trees have been planted on the walkway, with three benches. We’re not sure if this is a nod to Chinese symbolism, since both the tree and number eight carry positive meanings, but given Apple’s attention to detail…this is highly likely.
Another example of Apple’s attention to detail. The three benches are placed in front of each of the three front doors. The middle of these benches align perfectly with the middle of the front doors.
As usual, the first visitors to the Apple store are greeted with raucous applause.
The ground floor houses all of Apple’s products available for sale, from iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and Mac. First- and third-party accessories are available too, neatly stored away to the back of the store (the left of the photo).
LG’s 5K monitor is also here, and available for purchase.
The devices are laid out neatly, and almost perfectly equidistant from each other. Cables are never tangled, and arranged almost ridiculously neat. The OCD in us approves.
Behind each of these cases are drawers containing the respective covers shown in front. It looks great, and also keeps everything looking neat.
On each side of the store is a spiral stone staircase, with the handrail carved out from the stone itself. The stone is cold to the touch, and genuinely looks exquisite.
Jony Ive approves.
At the top floor, there are empty tables, trees with round benches, and a large open space with wooden stools. This is the “town square” inspired design, and is the heart of Apple’s community-driven activities.
One such activity – which are all free and open to everyone, by the way – is learning how to take better photos with the iPhone. There’s a deep dive into the camera’s various settings and built-in editing software.
Apple also organises coding workshops for children, using the Swift Playgrounds app for iPad. One such activity involves arranging the stools above into a track, and the children are asked to code a Sphero robot to navigate the track.
Another activity: How to Stay Fit with Apple Watch.
The tables here are also for appointments with Apple Geniuses, or really, for people to just hang out.
One last look at these stairs before we head home.
Apple Orchard Road opens to the public from 27 May 2017.
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