Apple will simplify its retail stores; iPods may be harder to find

Apple stores are yet again undergoing a few tweaks. Reportedly, Apple’s retail stores will now opt for a more cleaner look making way for more sample products. According to a report by 9to5mac, Apple will remove the demo iPod units from the table and make them readily available to customers by setting them up on accessory shelves. It will get rid of Smart Signs, which are basically informational iPads that sit beside demo units in stores.  The changes will start appearing in most Apple Stores starting August 26. Apple’s accessory wall will now also welcome iPods along with Apple Watch bands, headphones and iPhone cases. According to the report, once a major product category for Apple, the iPod no longer gets the same annual update treatment as the Mac, iPad, and iPhone and is no longer given the same purchase experience as Apple’s main money-making hardware. With the refreshed floor design, Apple will now use the new space to install more devices that potential customers can test on the show floor. However, a few large Apple Stores will retain some Smart Signs as Apple conducts this transition. The company believes that the setup for Smart Signs might be confusing for some customers. Mashable points out that a few other changes will include the store opting for a darker kind of wood meant to keep its color under direct sunlight and iPhones will not be displayed using the long-used acrylic stands but instead, on the company’s new universal iPhone dock.