Abstract:
Apple retail stores around the world are preparing for a new round of product display updates. A number of Apple retail stores this week received a batch of confidential boxes labeled “Do Not Open Until October 8 (Do Not Open Until October 8),” sparking speculation that Apple is about to release new products.
It is understood that these boxes are believed to contain new retail display materials, including product labels, promotional images, and related materials required for store display layout, for Apple employees to update the in-store display area before and after new product releases. The relevant news was initially reported by people familiar with the matter and was later confirmed.
It is currently unclear the specific products corresponding to these confidential materials. Some analysts believe that its content may be related to Apple’s upcoming folding screen phone iPhone Duo. However, judging from the confidentiality level and timing, it is more likely to be related to Apple’s new hardware products that are about to enter the smart home field.
Previously, it was reported that Apple plans to launch three highly anticipated smart home devices around October 13, including the new generation Apple TV 4K, HomePod mini 2 and the long-rumored smart home control center device. This new smart home product is expected to be equipped with a display and is regarded as an important product for Apple to further integrate the HomeKit ecosystem and home automation experience.
According to Apple's usual retail operation process, if a new device is scheduled to be launched on October 13, Apple stores in various places need to complete the display area update several days in advance. Therefore, employees are required not to open relevant boxes before October 8, which is more consistent with the time schedule of preparations for new product launches.
However, there is still some uncertainty about the pace of new product releases. Previous relevant reports only mentioned that Apple will officially increase its focus on the smart home market on October 13, but did not clearly indicate whether that day is the date of a new product launch or the official launch of the product.
As October approaches, Apple’s retail system has begun to enter the preparation stage. The emergence of the mysterious box further indicates that Apple may be about to announce the most important batch of new hardware products in the second half of this year, and the smart home ecosystem is expected to become the company's key layout direction in the next stage.
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