If store appointments are available, you can reserve them through the website for each store. If you don’t see the product you want, it could be all booked for the week ahead and you would have to contact the store to understand your options or call Apple sales directly.

  • https://www.apple.com/retail/

You can book from available shopping slots which are based on store staffing schedules. Don’t neglect the online pre-sales support via chat and call and FaceTime scheduled on demand through the Apple Store app.

In my experience I save time by starting with the online pre-sales and they are very quick to fill in any gaps I have in my knowledge and they also can set up a reservation for you once it’s clear you want to go see the product physical or they can order it for you and ship direct or for store pickup. They also can make setup reservations so you get the device or service set up promptly when you receive it. Data transfer, cellular account and more…

Answer from bmike on Stack Exchange
🌐
Apple
apple.com › retail › instore-shopping-session
Shop with a Specialist - Apple
This information is discarded at the end of your session or in accordance with your browser settings · More ways to shop: Find an Apple Store or other retailer near you. Or call 1-800-MY-APPLE (1-800-692-7753)
🌐
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 251706639
How do you make a shopping appointment at… - Apple Community
Note that they give priority to service, and in some areas there is no in-store shopping, but you can discuss planned purchases over the phone or chat→https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/iphone-12# ... Apple Store appointments Hi, does one need to make an appointment to go into the Apple ...
🌐
JustAnswer
justanswer.com › smartphones › phovt-need-appointment-purchasing-new-iphone-not.html
Do I need an appointment for purchasing a new iPhone? Not totally. Apple store. Online prefered
I'm Stephen, a smartphone expert with over ten years of experience in the wireless industry. Who do I have the pleasure of speaking with today? ... Hi Will! The Apple Store doesn't require an appointment to purchase an iPhone but I always recommend ...
🌐
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 255587001
Schedule appointment to purchase a phone - Apple Community
I like to change my appointment to purchase a different device specifically an iPhone instead.
🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/iphone › do i need a genius bar appointment to buy a new phone?
r/iphone on Reddit: Do I need a Genius Bar appointment to buy a new phone?
October 15, 2018 -

This is probably not the right subreddit to ask this in, but Googling doesn’t get me anywhere so I thought I would try.

My question is, do I need to make a Genius Bar appointment to buy a new iPhone in store? I want to go to the store and exchange my old iPhone for a discount on the new one, and I have heard that you should always make an appointment at the apple store to get things done faster. However, the only options for making an appointment are for repairs to the device you already have, there is not an option to make one to buy a new phone.

Should I make an appointment anyways? My store is often very busy and it is a long drive from where I live. Any help would be appreciated!!

🌐
Reddit
reddit.com › r/apple › fuck the apple store shopping appointments
r/apple on Reddit: Fuck the Apple store shopping appointments
June 23, 2022 -

Went to an Apple store in Minneapolis a few days ago because my phone died and I need another one. I knew exactly what I wanted - iPhone 13 Pro. Was literally told I couldn't buy one. Nope. Won't sell it to me. Told them I didn't need a whole rundown on the product and that I've had iPhones for over a decade. No can do. "Here's my card. Just sell me the box. They're easy to setup." Nope, you need to make an appointment for another day. WTFF? It was infuriating. I can walk in and buy anything off the accessories rack, but apparently not a phone. It's the dumbest model ever. There isn't any other store that does this.

EDIT: Jesus Christ. Everyone here LOVES the reservation system. I'm still waiting for someone to list another store that does this. It's elitist bullshit that tries to make you feel special. It's still just a phone folks. If you have a store and you sell products, just sell them like a normal store.

Top answer
1 of 5
90
Something sounds fishy about this story. I've walked into an Apple store and bought two iPhones and an iPad without issue.
2 of 5
34
I can absolutely confirm this is a thing and it also sucks. There’s no perfect system and based on the sheer volume of traffic at apple stores some kind of queue and or reservation system needs to be used, at least partially. However, there’s a very very visible easy to solve issue here. Bodies. Why on earth does a company this wealthy generating so very much revenue from these stores not simply staff the hell up. More than enough people would take the job and are qualified. My local apple store serves a potential market of MILLIONS. Stroll by on a weekend and you may see ONE PERSON at the front attempting to intercept literally everyone who comes in, in order to direct them. Look around and you’ll see maybe 2-4 sales people. I mean this is absolutely nuts. These people cost apple about $200 a day. Each one can sell maybe $4k in phones per hour easily. It’s just baffling. For all the serendipity and spontaneity that apple hopes to encourage with their fluid town center nothing is labeled no signage everyone looks the same aesthetic, this system of requiring appointments, not having people available just kills it completely. It’s pretentious, cheap madness. Let people just buy stuff. But wait, the thing is they don’t want you to just buy a phone. Apple aggressively wants that phone activated in store and applecare and accessories attached. Maybe even a business introduction (I mean seriously wtf is that). My house is chock full of apple hardware. We have one premier. I would never do my shopping in the store.
🌐
Apple Community
discussions.apple.com › thread › 252651050
How do I make an appointment to trade in … - Apple Community
You don't need to make an appointment to do a trade in.. If you know what new iPhone you want, just select it and it'll ask you if you have a trade in after you've selected the model, finish, capacity, carrier. This link should help you determine the trade in value you can expect ...
Find elsewhere
🌐
Apple
apple.com › retail
Apple Store - Find a Store - Apple
Get it today. Buy online and we’ll have it ready for pickup. Every store has dedicated teams for support, learning, and more. Get expert service and support at the Genius Bar. Get help here · How to prepare your device for your appointment · Put our Small Business Team on your team.
🌐
Wikihow
wikihow.com › computers and electronics › telephones › cell phones › apple ios › how to make an apple store appointment (with pictures) - wikihow
How to Make an Apple Store Appointment (with Pictures) - wikiHow
October 25, 2022 - Your reservation is now active. You'll receive a text message notification as well as an email confirming your appointment. ... Go to https://www.apple.com/retail in a web browser.
🌐
Lifewire
lifewire.com › make-apple-store-appointment-with-app-1999600
How to Make an Apple Store Appointment
June 10, 2025 - Select an Apple Store from the map, and then choose Schedule. On the next screen, pick an available date and time. Then, enter your phone number for text reminders about your appointment (you'll still get email notifications if you don't). Choose ...
🌐
Dhgate
smart.dhgate.com › home › step-by-step guide: how to easily make an appointment with the apple store
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Easily Make an Appointment with the Apple Store - Smart.DHgate – Trusted Buying Guides for Global Shoppers
September 30, 2025 - We’ve all been there — you stroll into an Apple Store hoping to get quick help, but instead end up waiting forever. Apple Stores tend to get busy, especially
🌐
Macworld
macworld.com › home › apple › how-to
How to book an Apple store appointment: Make a Genius Bar appointment | Macworld
May 14, 2025 - Pick a store, and you’ll go to a page where you can schedule an appointment. ... You’ll be able to see the store’s next available time slot for you to see an Apple Genius. You’ll have to enter a phone number so Apple can “guide you to your appointment.”
🌐
Quora
quora.com › Do-you-have-to-make-an-appointment-at-the-Apple-store-to-buy-something
Do you have to make an appointment at the Apple store to buy something? - Quora
Answer: No. Not only that; if you know exactly what you want to buy (for example, unlocked iPhone XR 64GB in yellow), you can be in and out on about 75 seconds. The moment you walk into the store, someone will greet you.
🌐
Trustedshoppingguide
trustedshoppingguide.com › articles-post › apple-shopping-appointment
Schedule Your Apple Store Appointment: Shop, Genius Bar, & More | Trusted Shopping Guide
Enter your zip code or allow access to your current location. View a list of nearby Apple Stores or authorized service providers. Sort the list by availability or distance. ... Click on each store to view available appointment slots.
🌐
Apple
apple.com › retail › genius bar
Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
You’ll need your Apple Account and password to make a reservation and get repairs at the Apple Store.
🌐
SimplyMac
simplymac.com › apple-stores › do-i-need-to-book-an-appointment-at-the-apple-store
Do I Need to Book an Appointment at the Apple Store for Service and Support? - SimplyMac
May 6, 2024 - Whether you choose to seek support online or over the phone, you will be connected with the right expert to solve your concerns as quickly as possible. Apple Stores are designed to help you with everything related to your Apple devices. While you can visit without an appointment, booking one has advantages. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide what’s best for you: Simple Questions: If you have a quick question about your device or a product you want to buy, a walk-in could be fine.
🌐
Lifewire
lifewire.com › how-to-make-an-apple-genius-bar-appointment-1999601
How to Make an Apple Genius Bar Appointment
September 26, 2024 - Visit Apple Support Site > locate product > explain hardware issue > schedule your appointment. The Genius Bar is for tech support only. If you want to learn how to use your products, Apple has other in-store options.
🌐
Ask.com
ask.com › home › news
A Step-by-Step Guide to Booking an Appointment at the Apple Store - Ask.com
November 27, 2024 - During your appointment, arrive a few minutes early to check in with staff members upon arrival. Be prepared with questions or details about what assistance you need so that they can provide tailored help swiftly. This could include troubleshooting issues or learning more about product features. Booking an appointment at the Apple Store is a straightforward process that enhances your shopping or support experience significantly. By following these steps—whether online, via app, or over phone...