Just when you were about to bring your iPad back to the Genius Bar, Apple announced that they’re re-closing some stores in the U.S. due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As of June 9, Apple had reopened 300 of their 510 stores internationally, but that number is dropping in the midst of an uptick in COVID-19 cases in 25 states.
Here’s what you need to know:
More than 90 Apple Stores have re-closed as of July 14.
As the country has experienced record (and rising) levels of COVID-19 infections over the last few weeks, Apple has increasingly re-closed stores. More than 90 of the 271 stores — a third of all locations — are now closed.
Most of the closures have been in California, Texas, Georgia, Florida and Nevada, but many scattered across the country are shuttered. Check the Apple Store locator to see if your local store is open.
If you’d left your device at a newly closed Apple store, you’ll have to wait.
If your Apple device’s repair wasn’t finished or is otherwise still at a closed store, you’re pretty much out of luck. You won’t be able to get it back until after stores reopen, according to Apple’s COVID-19 FAQ.
Apple has asked retail workers to switch to online roles for the foreseeable future.
Apple has promised to keep an eye on the coronavirus situation in all of their markets, and will make timely decisions on whether to reopen, keep stores closed, or close additional stores.
In the meantime, Apple has requested that employees of closed stores transition to online retail roles, and that they should prepare to work from home for a while. Apple told employees in recent memo that a return to U.S. offices won’t happen this year.
Good news? Apple has expanded their Mac trade-in program.
In the past, you’d only be able to trade in your Mac computer by registering online and mailing in your device.
Now you can bring your computer into any Apple store to get trade-in credit towards a new device — just like you can for an iPhone or iPad.
If/when your store is open, it’ll be ready for you. But the online option still works, too.
Note: Apple says that the trade-in credit you get in the store may be different from the estimated trade-in value you’d receive online.
Need help with a repair? You’ve still got some options.
Apple recently announced a massive expansion of their Independent Repair Provider Program, which connects customers to Apple-approved repairs with verified parts. Check your repair provider to see if they’re authorized, or find one via Apple.com.
Best Buy provides authorized Apple repair service through their Geek Squad service, but you’ll have to make an appointment.
UP NEXT: Best Buy Opening Stores — By Appointment Only
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