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At the "Awe-Dropping" event in Cupertino, California on 9 September, they pulled the wraps off a stellar lineup of new gadgets, including the Apple Watch 11 Series and the AirPods Pro 3. But the real star of the show was, of course, the iPhone 17 lineup, which introduced the iPhone Air, officially the thinnest iPhone ever made.
With all these highly-anticipated devices about to drop officially starting 119 September, we were curious what's the best way to get the latest iPhone models. ProductNation's media guest and Creative Director Umar spoke with Vanessa Trigub, Apple's Vice President of Stores and Retail Operations, to discuss the retail experience for the new iPhone 17 lineup.
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With the opening of new Apple Stores, like the one at The Exchange TRX, customers now have more options than ever. According to Vanessa, there's no single "best" way to buy a new iPhone.
"It really comes down to what's right for the customer," she said. "Whether they choose to buy it online and ship it home, buy it online and pick up in store, contact our contact centres, or walk into the store, it's really about getting what's right for them, [and] meeting them where they are. And behind all of that is [an] amazing service."
Vanessa emphasised that the in-store experience prioritises personalisation. Store staffs are there to help you choose the right product that's right for you.
So, Is Pre-Ordering Worth It?
According to Vanessa, the answer is a resounding yes. "Pre-order is an amazing way to make sure you get that product," she stated. It's the best way to guarantee that the specific model, colour, and storage size you want will be available for you on launch day.
However, if you don't pre-order, you're still "100% welcome" to visit the store on launch day and beyond. Vanessa encourages people to come in, get hands-on with the new devices, and explore the full lineup. She even admitted her own excitement, stating she’s personally looking forward to getting the new iPhone Air.
For those who are new to Apple or upgrading, the support doesn't stop after you've bought the device. Apple offers several "only at Apple services" to help you get the most out of your new product.
The Apple Trade-in programme is great way for Apple users to upgrade to the latest iPhone models. With Apple Trade In, customers can get RM1,000 to RM4,400 in credits when they trade in iPhone 13 or newer. To check your iPhone eligibility for this programme, click here.
"We have Today at Apple which is another great option for customers to come in and learn how to get the most out of their device," Vanessa said. Today at Apple are free workshop classes that gives hands-on lessons on all the features of your new device. The Apple Store at the Exchange TRX holds daily sessions at certain times, you can find out more here.
You can preorder the iPhone 17 lineup on the official Apple website and check out the interview below:
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Check out more announcements from the "Awe Dropping" event: