Tim Cook surprises fans at reopening of flagship Apple store in New York and iPhone 11 release

Today’s release of the iPhone 11 has created long lines at Apple stores around the world – but those at a New York location received more than just a new device.

The firm’s CEO, Tim Cook, made a surprise appearance at the redesigned Apple Fifth Avenue store to help with the official re-opening of the iconic glass cube.

The tech tycoon took selfies and shook hands with the dedicated crowd who had been waiting since early morning to purchase the highly-anticipated smartphone.

Scroll down for video 

Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook (pictured), made a surprise appearance at the redesigned Apple Fifth Avenue store to help with the official opening of the ‘iconic glass cube’

Apple first unveiled the iPhone 11 trio earlier this month at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino and Apple Fifth Avenue store re-opened just in time for the release.

Cook greeted a line of about 600 to 700 people, who he snapped selfies with, handed out high-fives and shook hands before helping with the official re-opening of the flagship store.

The Fifth Avenue location has been closed for more than two years while it received a complete makeover inside and out.

The glass cube has nearly doubled in size from the original version and it now boast higher ceilings for a much ‘brighter , more expansive space and the perfect stage for customers to discover and try Apple’s newest products,’ Apple explained in a press release.

The area dedicated to Geniuses has also doubled in size, allowing the team to cater to more customers.

And this location is still the only store open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Steve Jobs opened the store in 2006 and personally welcomed the first customers to enter the cube, so it is only fitting Cook would make an appearance at the re-opening. 

‘Our customers are at the center of everything we do, and Apple Fifth Avenue is for them, to inspire them, and to provide the very best place to discover our newest products,’ said Cook.

‘It’s unique among Apple stores, and today it returns even more welcoming, and even more beautiful than ever. We’re so proud to be a part of this great city where so much happens every day.’

Cook greeted a line of about 600 to 700 people, who he snapped selfies with, handed out high-fives and shook hands before helping with the official re-opening of Apple Fifth Avenue location. Pictured are hundreds of people waiting at outside of the store

Tim Cook took time to meet with the crowd outside of the Fifth Avenue Apple Store. This location has been closed for more than two years while it received a complete makeover inside and out

At the center of the location stands the dramatic glass cube line with 18 mirror-glass Skylenses and 62 skylights that beam natural light into the expanded store below. 

A new stainless steel spiral staircase is for customers to make their way into the store or they can choose to ride the circular elevator into the grand hall.

Apple first unveiled the iPhone 11 trio earlier this month at the Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino and Apple Fifth Avenue store re-opened just in time for the release. Tim Cook was there to help with the official opening and greet its customers

‘We couldn’t be more excited and more ready to welcome customers back to Apple Fifth Avenue,’ said Deirdre O’Brien, Apple’s senior vice president of Retail + People.’ 

‘Not only is the new space and experience absolutely inspiring, our amazing retail Geniuses, Creative Pros and Specialists have worked so hard preparing for this day.

‘Who they are, and the talents they bring, are so essential to the excellence we strive for at Apple.’

At the center of the location stands the glass cube line with 18 mirror-glass Skylenses and 62 skylights. A new stainless steel spiral staircase (right)  is for customers to make their way into the store or they can choose to ride the circular elevator into the grand hall