Apple Plans to Revive the Iconic Genius Bar Amid Retail Overhaul
By Editor • September 14, 2026 • 1 min read
Apple is set to return an iconic feature to its retail stores as new CEO John Ternus makes his mark, with reports indicating the reinstatement of the Genius Bar. This move comes after a significant transformation in 2016, when the traditional bar setup was replaced by the more casual Genius Grove, designed to foster an open, community-like atmosphere.
The Genius Grove, as seen in locations like the Carnegie Library store in Washington, D.C., features long tables and rows of stools reminiscent of a casual dining experience. This shift was aimed at enhancing customer interactions, with Angela Ahrendts, then-Senior Vice President of Retail, emphasizing a desire to create a welcoming environment rather than a conventional store. However, many customers appear to long for the nostalgia and personalized service associated with the original Genius Bar.
According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the revamped stores will feature dedicated Genius Bars once again, complete with an all-wood aesthetic. This change is part of a broader retail strategy to reinvigorate the Apple Store experience, including redesigned areas for customers to explore upcoming home assistant devices. As Apple adapts to new leadership, the return to the Genius Bar marks a significant nod to its retail roots.
Source: gizmodo.com
