Apple’s newest retail destination opens its doors to customers Saturday in the heart of Osaka, Japan. That’s two decades after its first store opened in the city, located in Japan’s Kansai region. The new Apple Umeda store promises to deliver the full Apple experience to one of the country’s most vibrant commercial districts. It includes an exclusive Vision Pro demo area and a Today at Apple session on Apple Intelligence.

“I am very pleased to open Apple Umeda, a wonderful space that reflects the energy of the vibrant city of Osaka,” said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s Senior Vice President of Retail and Human Resources. “This new store is a place to walk with creative communities and local businesses in Kansai.”

New Apple Store opens in Osaka’s bustling Umeda district

The new store showcases Apple’s complete product ecosystem. It features the latest iPhone 16 lineup optimized for Apple Intelligence, alongside iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple TV, HomePod mini and AirTag accessories, Apple said. And it dedicated special attention to Apple Vision Pro, creating an exclusive area where customers can experience personalized demonstrations of the mixed reality headset. This latest Apple Store news comes on the heels of Apple Store online opening in Saudi Arabia for the first time.

Enhanced customer service and support
Apple Store interior OsakaThis interior shot shows an array of Apple products on display for customers.
Photo: Apple

Apple Umeda introduces a redesigned Genius Bar featuring a modern counter layout. There Apple’s technical experts provide face-to-face hardware and software support. The store also includes a dedicated Apple Pickup area, streamlining the process for customers collecting online orders and reducing wait times.

Professional staff members are available throughout the store to help customers select the right products for their needs. Staffers provide usage guidance and offer information about monthly installment payment options and the Apple Trade In program for upgrading existing devices.

Daily creative workshops cover Apple Intelligence
Apple Store Vision Pro demo, OsakaThe new store features a dedicated area for Vision Pro demos.
Photo: Apple

The store hosts complimentary daily Today at Apple sessions led by Apple’s creative professionals. The hands-on workshops are designed to help customers maximize their device capabilities and explore new creative possibilities.

Featured sessions include “Say Hello to Apple Intelligence,” which demonstrates practical applications of Apple’s AI features for enhanced productivity and entertainment. Photography enthusiasts can attend “Let’s take more attractive photos with iPhone,” a deep-dive workshop exploring advanced camera techniques and the innovative photography features available in the iPhone 16 series.

Apple Umeda also serves as a business hub for the Kansai region. The store’s dedicated support teams assist local entrepreneurs and small business owners. These specialists provide consultation services, device recommendations and business-focused tools designed to accelerate company growth and digital transformation, Apple said.

Accessibility and environmental commitment
Apple Intelligence Today at Apple session, OsakaIn the new Osaka store, a Today at Apple session teaches all about Apple Intelligence.
Photo: Apple

The store’s design reflects Apple’s commitment to universal accessibility, the company said. It includes varied table and seating heights, wide pathways for wheelchair accessibility and assistive technologies for customers with hearing impairments. Portable hearing loops are available throughout the store. And Today at Apple tables are equipped with auxiliary hearing systems to ensure all customers can fully participate in workshops and demonstrations.

Consistent with Apple’s environmental initiatives, Apple Umeda operates entirely on renewable energy, contributing to the company’s carbon-neutral goals.

Apple Umeda opens at Saturday, July 26, at. 10 a.m. Additional information and Today at Apple session schedules are available at apple.com/jp/umeda.

Genius Bar, OsakaThe Genius Bar at Apple Umeda features a newly designed counter to provide face-to-face technical and hardware support.
Photo: Apple

AloJapan.com