Apple’s Genius Bar rumored to get wireless syncing to back up customer data for device replacements

According to 9to5 Mac’s sources, it has been suggested that Apple is looking to add a new feature to their Apple Store Genius Bars. We’re sure that there are plenty of iOS users walking into Apple retail stores on a daily basis with an issue regarding their phone. In some cases, the problem is too severe that Apple will replace the user’s device (assuming it’s under warranty), but what happens to the data on the user’s phone? While some users are a bit more vigilant about backing up their data, there are situations where they either forget or are unable to. 

Instead of wasting a trip to the Apple store, this rumored new feature will allow the Genius Bar to mirror an iCloud backup, thus storing the user’s data onto the store’s local server. The backup will then be transferred to the new device and the data on the server will be wiped automatically. The reason behind the use of a local store server as opposed to Apple’s iCloud server is that while iCloud is fine for backing up data when you’re at home, in a fast-moving environment like the Apple retail store, using iCloud might be too slow a process.

Pretty cool idea, right? Apparently this new system is currently undergoing some testing and may or may not see the light of day. However if it is successful, the program could piloted in select Apple retail stores come mid-2013 and could be followed by a full-scale launch in the later part of 2013.

Tyler Lee
Categories: Apple, Rumors
Tags: icloud