Apple's in-store pickup option now available in mainland China

Apple on Wednesday announced an expansion to its retail operations in mainland China, offering customers the option of placing an order online and picking it up at a brick-and-mortar Apple Store location.

Available for more than a decade in the U.S., Apple's in-store pickup program streamlines the purchase process by allowing customers to shop online and take receipt of their order at a nearby Apple Store.

In mainland China, buyers can now place orders through apple.com.cn and select "pick up" at checkout. Product availability can be checked by selecting one of Apple's 42 outlets in the region, and Apple says many products and accessories will be in stock.

Items marked as "available today" are typically available within an hour after payment, and customers are notified when their order is ready for pickup. Alternatively, buyers can schedule a pickup time for faster service.

Once at the store, customers are required to furnish their order confirmation and a valid government-issued photo ID.

The new retail choice arrives as Apple and other companies ease back into normality following COVID-19 prohibitions. Apple has instituted precautions like limiting the number of visitors to its stores.

Apple's in-store pickup option first debuted in 2009, but was restricted to select products like iPhone and Mac. The system later expanded to include all items sold at Apple Store locations.

Keep up with everything Apple in the weekly AppleInsider Podcast — and get a fast news update from AppleInsider Daily. Just say, "Hey, Siri," to your HomePod mini and ask for these podcasts, and our latest HomeKit Insider episode too.

If you want an ad-free main AppleInsider Podcast experience, you can support the AppleInsider podcast by subscribing for $5 per month through Apple's Podcasts app, or via Patreon if you prefer any other podcast player.