Apple Store app now allows EasyPay self-checkout

We gave you a heads-up last week about a future update to the Apple Store app that would allow you to check yourself out at a retail store without even talking to an associate. That future is now, as Apple’s app has been updated to version 2.0 to bring the new capabilities.

Say you’re looking to pick up a bumper for your iPhone 4S in your local Apple Store, but when you get there all of the employees are swamped. Open the Apple Store app, and it will know from your location that you’re in one of the retail outlets. You will then get a special set of menu options, including instructions on using EasyPay (right). At that point, simply scan the bumper’s barcode, confirm your purchase, and checkout via the credit card you have stored with your Apple ID.

Here’s where it gets really crazy. Apparently Apple says that they aren’t going to be regularly checking the purchases. So you can then just walk out of the store with your bumper, no personal interaction required. If somebody does stop you, just flash the EasyPay receipt, which is easily found within the app. How the company will avoid serial shoplifting without checking every order is beyond me, but it was leaked that Apple employees were nicknaming the program EasyTheft.

Whether Apple has to contend with a shoplifting problem or not, this is a big-time win for customers. We’re accustomed to seeing self-checkout lanes at grocery stores, but this is the first time we have been able to complete purchases from within an app. It makes everything a little bit quicker and easier, and it allows Apple to use their store’s resources more efficiently.

As cool as EasyPay is, it isn’t the only big update that comes in Apple Store 2.0. You can also reserve products from within the app. They will be waiting for you at the store within twelve minutes:

While these changes may not revolutionize shopping overnight, I have to tip my hat to Apple for continuing to innovate the retail shopping experience. One of the biggest advantages that online shopping has over going to a physical store is that you can complete a purchase by hitting a few buttons. These updates let you combine some of that streamlined simplicity with the instant gratification of buying from a physical store.

Apple Store (free) in iOS App Store, via 9to5Mac

Source: http://www.geek.com/articles/mobile/apple-store-app-now-allows-easypay-self-checkout-2011118/

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