Apple launches new video chat feature, set to effect new prices

*Apple product consumers are expected to see changes to App Store pricing in the coming months

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In a move to guide consumers through the purchase of their next iPhones, Apple has announced that shoppers will now be able to video chat with an Apple specialist from the comfort of their homes – or wherever they happen to be.

ConsumerConnect learnt these video chats would be in real time, and give Apple customers the chance to go through all of the different features, prices, phone carrier plans, and more of each iPhone model.

Karen Rasmussen, Head of Retail Online at Apple, said: “We’re constantly innovating to deliver an even more personalised experience for our customers, meeting them where they are to deliver the best of Apple.”

Consumers have additional options

Following the announcement of this new shopping feature, consumers of the global technology giant’s products and services now have another option to choose from when looking to buy a new iPhone – shopping in-store, shopping online, and now over video chat, agency report stated.

Specialists will be available to video chat from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Pacific Time every day of the week.

However, unlike a regular video chat, the camera doesn’t work both ways, according to report.

When connecting with an Apple Specialist, customers will be able to see their customer service rep and their screen, but the Apple Specialist won’t be able to see them.

Moreover, consumers can join the video chat session with just about any question: deciding which device will best suit their lifestyles, deciding between colours, figuring out payment options, or gaining insight into their device trade-in options.

Prepare for new prices in App Store

In a related development, Apple also announced that shoppers could expect to see some new prices in the App Store starting May 2023.

While the changes are primarily targeted toward app developers, consumers will feel the effects.

In the coming months, app developers will have the option to charge anywhere from $0.29 to $10,000 (with special permission from Apple) for their apps, report noted.

The new updates will also allow for apps to be charged in $0.10 increments, while several apps will transition from $0.99 to $1.00.

In effecting the imminent change, Apple said it hopes to give creators more flexibility, while also creating more uniformity among the different countries and currencies that host and sell apps on the App Store.