You can still try on an Apple Watch or AirPods in stores, but you’ll have to ask
Hygiene is the primary concern right now
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Appleemployees are being instructed not to suggest customers try on products before they buy them in the brand’s own stores.
According toBusiness Insider(subscription), Apple’s current policy is that customers can continue to try on products if they ask but employees won’t be able to recommend that as an idea before purchase.
We’ve asked Apple to confirm if this is the case, and we’ll update this piece when we hear back.
It means you’ll have to specifically ask to try on anApple Watchor a pair ofApple AirPodsyou will still be able to see how they fit before you buy them.
Many like to try on products in the Apple Store to ensure it’s the right fit, material or style. That’s especially the case for theApple Watchthat comes in two different sizes as well as a variety of materials.
This new policy seems to owe to the spread of the coronavirus, and it’s thought Apple is limiting the amount of users testing its products in stores to try and help stop the spread.
It’s currently unclear what Apple’s policy is on other products you can try in its stores such as iPhones, MacBooks and iPads. We’ve asked Apple for comment on this too, and we’ll update this piece if we hear more.
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Why now?
According to our sister site LiveScience, there are still questions over how long the virus can survive outside the body, and this move would help minimize the contact.
Buthow long can the new coronavirus last on surfaces? LiveScience says it’s still unclear:
“The short answer is, we don’t know. A new analysis found that the virus can remain viable in the air for up to 3 hours, on copper for up to 4 hours, on cardboard up to 24 hours and on plastic and stainless steel up to 2 to 3 days.
“However, this study, which was published in the preprint databasemedRxivon March 11, has not yet yet been peer-reviewed.”
As the virus is most likely spread through close contact between humans and respiratory droplets -according to the Center for Disease Control- minimizing contact with surfaces and regular handwashing and not touching the face remains the guidance.
ViaPhone Arena
James is the Editor-in-Chief at Android Police. Previously, he was Senior Phones Editor for TechRadar, and he has covered smartphones and the mobile space for the best part of a decade bringing you news on all the big announcements from top manufacturers making mobile phones and other portable gadgets. James is often testing out and reviewing the latest and greatest mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, virtual reality headsets, fitness trackers and more. He once fell over.
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