Apple is stopping customers trying on AirPods and Apple Watches
Apple has decided not to encourage customers to try on AirPods or Apple Watches in-store in a bid to stop staff and customers spreading Covid-19 coronavirus.
Staff will allow customers to try products if they are specifically asked, but will no longer offer – without being prompted – the chance to check if the devices fit. Certain Apple Stores have adopted this measure already and we expect it to become more widespread in the coming days and weeks (via Business Insider).
This doesn’t just stop customers from handling things that other – possibly virus carrying – customers may have touched, it also reduces the amount of time a customer is likely to spend in the shop. If Apple’s staff are routinely offering anyone who shows interest the chance to try on AirPods and Apple Watches, this will increase the average time spent in a shop by the customer, which also increases the risk of overcrowding. So, Apple’s new measures could help reduce potential virus spreading in their stores in both of these ways.
Related: The 10 best Apple Watch apps to download in 2020
The tech giant has also cut down on seating in-store, to discourage shoppers from spending too long in close proximity.
Additional cleaning staff, hand sanitiser stations and more lenient sick leave options for staff are also being trialled in Apple stores. The company hopes that, via these measures, it will reduce the risk of people spreading coronavirus in its highstreet shops. The company is examining other measures and would reportedly like to cut down on any remaining instances of overcrowding.
Related: Best headphones 2020 – All types for any budget
Both products have impressed us in testing, the AirPods have been a popular choice for true wireless headphones with their impressive battery life and strong connection, but they are pricey and far from flawless. We gave the base AirPods a three-and-a-half-star rating, but the Pro edition improved on this, bagging four-and-a-half stars.
The Apple Watch was impressive too, as Trusted Reviews’ Max Parker explained. He called the watch: “Simply the best smartwatch around. Apple’s class-leading wearable continues to be one of the brand’s finest products; elegant and practical.”
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
