Apple integrates Genius Bar reservations to online support options

With the new structure, customers are able to sign up for Genius Bar appointments directly through Apple's Support webpage, a change from the previous reservations system.

Prior to today, online reservations were handled by Apple's retail webpage on a per-store basis. Customers would need to find their local store and select the Genius Bar option under "Store Services" to check availability. While Genius Bar reservation links remain on individual Apple Store informational pages, they now point to the updated "Contact Apple Support" site.

As seen in the screenshot above, the integrated system allows users to select "Visit the Genius Bar" along with live phone or chat support. After selecting the Genius Bar option, users enter their current location and device before being taken to a map of nearby retail stores. Customers can then choose a specific Apple Store and pick from a list of available time slots.

Genius Bar reservations are also tied in to the "Take in for Service" option, which adds Apple Authorized Service Providers to the list of brick-and-mortar repair and support outlets.

Other forms of support offered through the website (ne Express Lane)include self-help either through official support documents or links to Support Communities forum pages. In some cases, for example issues possibly related to Mac software or firmware, the system will ask users if they want to troubleshoot the problem at home using a step-by-step Apple Diagnostics guide before moving forward with a Genius Bar reservation.

Apple is steadily revamping its support infrastructure, the most recent change coming earlier this year when the company started charging a fee for certain online chat support services.