Wired
On April 9, local time, it was revealed that Apple obtained a design patent from the Hong Kong Patent Office for the “express” Apple Store, which was introduced to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19). ..
“Express” specifications used in half of US stores
The express Apple Store initially started with 20 stores in the US and Europe, but with the launch of the iPhone 12 series, the number of stores has expanded further.
Last year, Apple introduced in the Newsroom the state of store sales at “Apple Highland Village” in Houston, Texas, which became an express specification, and the store structure where employees and customers are separated by a transparent panel The aspect is clear.
In December of last year, it was reported that 125 stores, half of all 270 Apple stores in the United States, were refurbished to express specifications.
Patented MagSafe leather sleeve for iPhone 12 mini
Apple obtained a design patent for the express Apple Store on April 9, according to Patently Apple, which is familiar with Apple’s patents. Due to the nature of design patents, no details such as how the store works unlike regular patents are given, only drawings are included.
Apple seems to have obtained a design patent for the MagSafe leather sleeve of the iPhone 12 mini at the same time as the design patent for the express Apple Store.
Source: Patently Apple
(lexi)
Source: iPhone Mania