Apple customers who have repaired devices waiting at physical stores will have to wait until the widespread shutdown relents before getting them back, according to a report by Business Insider.
Apple moved to close all of its stores outside of China last week due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, though many remained partially open for 48 hours following the announcement to allow customers to pick up their devices.
Apple got in contact with customers who had iPhones, MacBooks, iMacs and Apple Watches repaired, but some have been left disappointed after they were unable to make the trip during the designated window of opportunity.
“Unfortunately for those who missed the pickup window, there’s no way for them to get their devices until Apple Stores reopen, the spokesperson said,” Business Insider noted.
The fact that customers will not be able to get their hands on devices during the lockdown is not a great surprise as stores have shuttered to combat the spread of the virus.
However, Apple could at some point attempt to ship the devices from retail stores, though there aren’t any official plans to do so at this time.
Any devices that were sent off site for repairs are in a better spot as these will be returned to customers via shipment when ready.
Apple Stores will be closed until 27th March, but it is possible that the shutdown will be extended further.
Apple updated its guidance a few days ago when it said that “until further notice”, stores would not be open.
Apple Stores in China have finally reopened after they were shut for a month in the middle of February.
Data shows that sales of iPhones slumped to around 494,000 in China last month, which is down significantly on the 1.27m figure for the same period a year earlier.