Gallery: Apple's Newest Store Boasts 50-Foot Glass Walls and a Free-Floating Second Floor

  • Image may contain Building Human Person Convention Center Architecture Airport Terminal and Airport Terminal
    Foster + Partners
    01

    Img0

    Apple is opening five new stores in China, and this is one of them. Designed by Foster + Partners, it's a 50-foot-tall, starkly minimal glass box.
  • Image may contain Airport Terminal Airport Terminal Human and Person
    Foster + Partners
    02

    img1

    The Hangzhou store is a showcase for what Apple and Foster + Partners are doing with modern structural engineering. This thin cantilevered piano nobile (seen above shoppers) doesn't have any visible suspension or support.
  • Image may contain Human Person Furniture Tabletop Chair Cafeteria Restaurant and Indoors
    Foster + Partners
    03

    img2

    “Every aspect of the store has been optimized, minimized, and de-cluttered,” say the architects.
  • Image may contain Furniture Drawer and Appliance
    Foster + Partners
    04

    img3

    Even the bolts used for the staircase are precisely embedded within the glass steps, so that the staircase looks like it's floating.
  • Image may contain Human Person Staircase Banister and Handrail
    Foster + Partners
    05

    img4

    It leads to the upstairs floor, which the architects call “a new living room for the city.” A really, really nice living room.
Read More
The Cordless Vacuums Made for Your Entire Home
Clean your house without the constraint of a power cord with these cordless stick vacuums.
Nena Farrell
The VMax New VX4 Has Dual Suspension, a Wide Deck, and Amazing Speed and Control
VMax's new electric scooter has a secret menu that lets you unlock the top speed and engage cruise control.
Billy Brown
They Wanted to Join Raya. They’ve Been on the Waiting List for Years
Getting into Raya, the exclusive members-only dating app, has become nearly impossible for some. We met people who have waited as long as two, five, and even seven years to join.
Jason Parham
The Best Merino Wool T-Shirts for Every Occasion
These merino wool tees are the last shirts you’ll ever wear. I’m wearing one right now.
Scott Gilbertson
The Federal Agency Coming for Gender-Affirming Care
A series of new hires and investigations at the FTC appear to focus on penalizing gender-affirming care for minors—and those who speak in favor of it.
Vittoria Elliott
The Men Behind Your Favorite AI Gay Thirst Traps
A viral red carpet moment shone light on a group of hunky Instagram influencers—and the followers who are too horny to care that they’re not real.
Ej Dickson
Airfare Keeps Going Up. Here Are Some Tricks to Finding Cheap(er) Tickets
It's an expensive time to fly. These tips can help lighten the load on your wallet.
Aarian Marshall
5 Reasons to Think Twice Before Using ChatGPT—or Any Chatbot—for Financial Advice
As people increasingly rely on AI chatbots for guidance, even on financial matters, a healthy dose of skepticism is critical.
Reece Rogers
The WIRED Gear Team’s Tips on Ways to Save Money
We pooled advice from our team—and a few financial experts—so you can worry less and save more in these turbulent times.
Julian Chokkattu
Top Design Within Reach Promo Codes for April 2026
Get 30% off, 20% off, and free shipping with our Design Within Reach coupon codes, plus up to 50% off furniture with these special discounts.
Nena Farrell
Top Sam's Club Promo Codes and Membership Deals for April 2026
Save on bulk groceries, household essentials, and electronics with a verified Sam's Club promo code or membership discount.
Molly Higgins
Save With Our KitchenAid Promo Codes This April
Save on every purchase with top KitchenAid coupons from WIRED, including up to 20% off countertop appliances.
Molly Higgins