You can no longer try on AirPods or Apple Watches due to coronavirus

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Apple won't let people try on AirPods or Apple Watch to avoid spreading coronavirus among staff and customers

AirPods or Apple Watches can't be tried on due to coronavirus
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)

AirPods and Apple Watches, two of Apple's most popular products, are no longer being offered for try-ons in certain Apple Stores. This is, as you might expect, an attempt to avoid spreading coronavirus amongst staff and shoppers. Disinfecting surfaces regularly is one of the coronavirus tips to follow to stay safe and continuously cleaning the AirPods and Apple Watches would be difficult.

Business Insider reports that while Apple Stores will still let you try the fit of a product if you ask, staff have been asked not to offer it themselves. The number of chairs and stools available within the stores has been reduced to avoid people sitting too close to one another.

Trying on an Apple Watch in store isn't only beneficial for checking if it fits. Apple Stores offer unique customization options for the casing and strap of the Apple Watch, which will become more difficult to do when customers are discouraged from handling the products.

BI is currently uncertain whether this policy only applies to specific Apple Stores or if it will cover all of them. Apple has said that it is looking to decrease crowding in stores, but hasn't commented on any specific policy, including the reduction of try-ons.

Apple has also increased cleaning staff and hand sanitizer stations in stores, and is allowing hourly employees to take sick leave more freely, according to previous reports by 9to5Mac.

Apple's efforts to reduce the risk of its employees getting infected has affected other parts of its business too. Its upcoming iPhone 9 and iPhone 12 launches are allegedly delayed, possibly indefinitely for the iPhone 9.

Richard Priday
Richard Priday
Assistant Phones Editor

Richard is based in London, covering news, reviews and how-tos for phones, tablets, gaming, and whatever else people need advice on. Following on from his MA in Magazine Journalism at the University of Sheffield, he's also written for WIRED U.K., The Register and Creative Bloq. When not at work, he's likely thinking about how to brew the perfect cup of specialty coffee.