The world’s first Apple store on water, Apple Marina Bay Sands, is set to open to the public for the first time come Sep 10, 10am.
Apple opened its first store in Singapore on Orchard Road in 2017, followed by its second store at Jewel Changi Airport in 2019.
The opening of this outlet marks the third Apple store to open here in Singapore, and it has been especially exciting to see this come into fruition, given how the location it now sits on has been left defunct for a long time, ever since nightclub Avalon shuttered in 2016. It was being used as an ad-hoc venue since then, before renovation works started.
The floating platform housing the new Apple store has been completely remodeled, now featuring a highly aesthetic spherical dome instead of the angular glass structure it once was.
The sphere is a first-of-its-kind, all-glass dome structure that is fully self-supported, and visitors can expect a 360-degree panoramic view of the Marina Bay waterfront from inside the store.
Like all Apple stores, a full range of Apple products and accessories can be found here, with ‘Geniusus’ on standy to offer you sales and tech support.
A large video wall forum area is where their regular Today at Apple sessions will be held. So expect workshops and performances by local artists, musicians and creators to happen here in time to come.
At the lower level of the store, find Apple’s first underwater boardroom, meant to be used as a place for entrepreneurs and developers to meet and receive training and advice from Apple staff.
If you’re planning on visiting, note that strict social distancing measures and safety checks will be in place, given the ongoing pandemic.
And in case you’re wondering, access to the store is via a tunnel from the B2 level (same floor as the canal) of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
Visits to Apple Marina Bay Sands this Thursday, Sep 10 will be by appointment only. You’ll have to visit their website to choose from available times (45min sessions on the hour), and each non-transferable reservation will only admit one person.
Capacity will be limited, so expect long wait times if it gets crowded. If jostling with Apple fanboys isn’t your idea of a good time, feel free to just pop by another day—the store ain’t gonna float away.
Apple Marina Bay Sands is located at 2 Bayfront Ave., B2-06, and is open Mon-Sun, 12-8pm on regular days.
A version of this story first appeared on SG Magazine.
