The first Apple Store opened 10 years ago today, and to kick off the next decade, it seems Apple is planning an overhaul of its retail locations internally dubbed "Apple Store 2.0".
According to 9to5Mac, the next-generation stores will eschew paper signage in favor of interactive iPads. These iPads would appear next to products as paper signs currently do.
9to5Mac said its source revealed that the stores' makeover goes very high up. In fact, it was overseen by Apple CEO Steve Jobs and senior vice president of industrial design Jonathan Ive. Ive, Apple's golden boy designer, is behind signature Apple designs of products like the iMac, iPod, iPhone, and the iPad.
The rumored makeover would reportedly make Apple Stores more interactive, ramping up its personal setup service for newly purchased devices. This service will allegedly have a dedicated area within Apple Store 2.0 called "Startup Sessions," where Apple employees would help customers get started with a new iPhone, iPad, or other product.
Additional aspects of the stores' facelift include revamped, bigger displays and a new sound system. Sources told 9to5Mac that boxes have arrived at Apple Stores today intended to be opened by store visual managers that could be some part of this.
Apple could also release a new iOS app intended for use in stores. When users with the app installed on their devices walk into an Apple store, the app would detect which store they're in and offer options like making a Genius Bar appointment or speaking with a specialist. 9to5Mac says the app could be released on Sunday.
Since the first Apple Store opened in 2001, Apple has opened a total of 324 retail locations. Apple has said it will continue to emphasize locations in China. While Apple hasn't disclosed the locations of the next store, the company has said it will open 40 more stores by September, 30 of which will be outside of the U.S.