Stopping by an Apple retail location to pick up a pricey gadget like a new iPhone, iPad, or MacBook requires assistance from a staff member, because those high-ticket items are stored behind the scenes. But when you're after nothing more than a small accessory, a checkout-free experience is entirely possible.
The Apple Store application makes this work by letting you point your iPhone at an accessory's barcode right there on the display shelf, then complete the transaction through Apple Pay. Once payment clears, you're free to stroll out the door clutching your fresh purchase.
A bit of prep work is required before heading to the store. Grab Apple's retail app from the App Store and log in using your Apple ID. Doing this from home saves time, though you could technically set it up once you arrive.
The shopping app also needs Location Services activated, with the permission level set to "Always." Head into Settings, then go to Privacy > Location Services > Apple Store, and choose "Always" from the list. This grants the app awareness of your presence inside the store, enabling the in-store purchase feature.
Upon entering the Apple Store, a push notification pops up inviting you to scan merchandise for reviews, compatibility details, and instant purchasing from your phone. In our experience, the alert also landed on a paired Apple Watch.
When the Apple retail app opens on your iPhone, hit the "Touch to Scan" button to begin (the app might prompt you to grant camera access first).
Point your iPhone's camera directly at the barcode of whichever accessory catches your eye. For this walkthrough, the item in question was an Apple Watch charging cable.
Once the scan finishes, the screen displays full product details. Press the "Self-Checkout" button to move forward with the transaction.
Next, choose "Buy with Apple Pay" if you've already got it configured, or pick "Buy with other payment options" for a more traditional route.
After the transaction completes, a digital receipt shows up on your display. Congratulations—you're officially the owner of a brand-new Apple product, and you can simply head for the exit with your goods.
Chances of being intercepted by a store employee are slim, and there aren't any entryway sensors tracking what you carry out. Still, if someone does ask, flashing the receipt on your phone should clear things up right away.
