Apple’s new retail stores will not feature security tethers on display products, according to CNET. The new redesign will slowly be making its way across the world, but starts in Apple’s London’ Regent Street.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the store is that when it opens to the public at the weekend the devices won’t be tethered to the tables as they were previously, and are in other stores around the world. Apple says this is to allow people to hold them properly, try cases on them and even see how they feel in your pocket.
While the lack of a physical security tethers, and even CCTV cameras as CNET reports, the risk of someone stealing the display devices aren’t as high as some may think. An alarm sounds when the devices leave the store (likely with some sort of geofencing), or Apple could use its own Find My iPhone service to track the devices down if they do leave the store. Regardless, CCTV cameras are probably within the stores but aren’t visible.
While most will make this seem like a thief’s heaven, it’s a smart move for Apple. This way it gives the customer the flexibility to hold the devices naturally, try on cases, and overall give the store a cleaner look.