iPhone 5 Release Date: Stores Close For 'Renovations,' or Prepare for Smartphone Launch?
Several Apple stores have recently closed their doors for renovations which has many suspecting that Apple is preparing the locations for an upcoming October launch of the iPhone 5.
While many locations have undergone renovations in the last three months in order to bring them up to date with the latest Apple store designs, sources have reported that at least three stores have closed within the last week and are scheduled to reopen around October 4. That date is slated for the Apple conference where the iPhone 5 is expected to be unveiled.
All the locations have been outfitted with the telltale black boarding over its windows, indicating the stores are under renovation.
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9to5Mac reported yesterday that the Chestnut Street Apple store in San Francisco, California closed on September 26 and is scheduled to reopen on October 4. The blog posted a photo of an AT&T worker and his van directly in front of the store. AT&T is one of the primary carriers of the iPhone.
GeekWire also reported that the University Village Apple store in Seattle, Washington closed on September 26 and is scheduled to reopen on October 7. The blog details that among the renovations planned are new display counters, Genius Bar, and other fixtures.
The University Village Apple store may also be in a hurry to complete renovations due to the Microsoft store that is scheduled to open across the street on October 20.
The Walnut Creek Apple store in Walnut Creek, California closed on September 26 and is scheduled to reopen on October 3. The fairly new Apple store opened in 2003 and has since had a renovation in 2009.
Sources also note other recently renovated locations include the Biltmore Apple store in Phoenix, Arizona and the Sagemore Apple store in Marlton, New Jersey. The locations were closed last week but have since reopened for business.
