Self-Checkout Coming To Apple Stores Using iOS App

MacRumors is reporting that Apple will launch an update to the Apple Store iOS app that will enable customers to self-checkout for accessories and other lower-cost items. Purchases made will be charged to the customers iTunes account. If you’ve spent any time in an Apple Store, there are no shortage of crowds, even on a regular non-launch day. The report does not provide information on how Apple will manage customers who are purchasing via the app and then leaving the store.

href="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/apple_store_app_icon.jpg" class="lightbox" >src="http://www.everythingicafe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/apple_store_app_icon.jpg" alt="Apple Store self-checkout" title="apple_store_app_icon" width="150" height="150" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-24891" />

If it’s similar to other self-checkout systems, you can expect an Apple representative to assist those using iOS apps to checkout. One method could be to have the customer receive a bar code at the completion of the transaction, which could then be scanned by a floating Apple Store rep. While it would still require staffing on Apple’s part, it would make for a faster checkout.

Source: href="http://www.macrumors.com/2011/10/31/apple-retail-stores-to-allow-self-checkout-via-ios-app-for-accessory-purchases/http://www.macrumors.com/2011/10/31/apple-retail-stores-to-allow-self-checkout-via-ios-app-for-accessory-purchases/" class="broken_link">MacRumors