Rumours are flooding the tech industry that Apple is planning a surprise for its 10th anniversary of its retail stores, and could even be working towards a product launch.
According to Boy Genius Report, a “solid source” has said Apple is gearing up for something big for this Thursday, the 19th.
The publication reports an overnight shift is planned for individuals at each Apple store to work late Saturday through Sunday, and during that shift all phones must be locked in an office.
Hardware is being installed, with more to be received this weekend, and employees are said to be putting up black curtains so customers can’t see inside. Employees are also being trained in new equipment.
Reports suggest this may have something to do with NFC technology, with Apple preparing to change the way it handles payments. Others have suggested it could even be the early release of the iPhone 5 – whatever it is, it appears Apple is preparing for something bigger than usual.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
