Apple said it is monitoring health data and government guidance to determine when and where it can safely reopen shops.
Apple will take pandemic precautions such as making sure employees wear masks
Apple on Friday said it will begin gradually reopening its retail shops in the US next week, taking pandemic precautions such as making sure everyone in them wears masks. The iPhone maker planned to start with some stores in Alabama, Alaska, Idaho and South Carolina.
"We've missed our customers and look forward to offering our support," Apple said in a statement to AFP.
"We'll open initially with additional safety procedures including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings to ensure customers and employees continue to stay healthy."
Apple's home state of California still has tight shelter-in-place rules but moved this week to let some business and industries get back in action provided they defend against spread of the coronavirus.
Apple Doubles China Donations for COVID-19 Recovery Efforts
Apple said it is monitoring health data and government guidance to determine when and where it can safely reopen shops.
New protocols in Apple stores will include limiting the number of customers who can be inside, meaning probable delays for those who spontaneously stop by for technical help from a "Genius Bar."
Apple recommended people order online for delivery or in-store pickup to limit personal contact.
Apple Says App Store Expanding to 20 More Countries This Year
The move by Apple comes with several US states moving to end or ease lockdowns but with polls indicating many Americans remain cautious about resuming normal activities.
Is Mi 10 an expensive OnePlus 8 or a budget budget S20 Ultra? We discussed this on Orbital, our weekly technology podcast, which you can subscribe to via Apple Podcasts or RSS, download the episode, or just hit the play button below.
Catch the latest from the Consumer Electronics Show on Gadgets 360, at our CES 2026 hub.