Apple takes down online Apple Store for 'updates' [u]

The online Apple Store is currently showing its familiar "We'll be right back," notice, along with the information that "updates are coming to the Apple Store." Unusually, the Store is not offline worldwide, however.

At time of writing, the US, Australia, UK, and major European are showing variations on the "Check again soon" message. But the Store in other regions, including China, Japan and New Zealand, is operating normally.

There are no Apple products due to be added through any announced pre-order release. It's conceivable that Apple will make an unannounced addition, but it's unlikely, given that the Store is not down worldwide.

The US Apple Store does include products such as certain accessories that are not available elsewhere. However, if it isn't due to maintenance issues, it's most likely that Apple is about to unveil some promotion.

Apple is currently offering a promotion in China that, until the end of Monday, August 1, 2022, features rare discounts on many products.

Update 04:10 Eastern: the store is back up