The latest Apple Store features a curved facade with a smooth transition inside.

The new Apple Store opens on Saturday, and the company has already shown some photos before the launch. It has the same curved front that we have seen in some other commercial stores previously.

Apple had previously aimed for a relatively smooth transition between the exterior and interior of these stores, and the most recent example at Hefei, China, continues this trend...

Third Market Store with Curved Front and No Interruptions

We saw this design for the first time in India in 2023 (as shown below), with Apple describing it then as a unique feature.

Welcome to Apple Saket, which welcomes customers through a curved front store of unique design with white steel tables showing Apple products and accessories, along with a characteristic wall made in India.

Here is the wide façade slightly rounded here during the inauguration with CEO Tim Cook and head-retail Deirdre O'Brien participating:

The uniqueness didn't last long, with the same design spotted in a second branch of Shenzhen's commercial center just a week later.

The latest iteration (top photo) was presented by Apple in advance photos of Apple MixC Hefei, in Anhui province, China. In this example, there are no columns obstructing the exterior, so it feels like an even more subtle transition from outside to inside.

As usual, locally sourced materials were incorporated.

Located near Lake of Thunderbolts and in a prominent commercial and financial district, Apple MixC Hefei presents a wide curved glass facade that harmoniously blends interior and exterior, inviting customers to enter the stores. The new store is made of sustainable and locally produced materials, reflecting Apple's commitment to an excellent design and atmosphere.

As we approach the lunar New Year festival, Apple is celebrating the occasion in various ways.

In honor of the imminent Chinese New Year, customers can buy a pair of AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation from the special series for the Year of the Snake. Additionally, they can sign up for a special workshop on the Chinese New Year that teaches new techniques to capture and reconnect memories using iPhone 16 and Apple Vision Pro, the first space computer by Apple that transforms how people work, collaborate, and connect. Customers at Apple MixC Hefei can also enjoy festive decals and decorative elements within the new store to create a festive atmosphere.

The store opens at 10 AM on Saturday, January 18th.

Photographs: Apple