Apple Store on Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona: temporary closure and major renovation in February

The news that the The Apple Store on Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona will close its doors in February. This has raised concerns among many users who frequently visit the site to shop. repair devices or simply tinker with the latest devices. It's one of Apple's most iconic stores in Spain, located in the heart of the city and already a major technological and tourist landmark.

Although the headline may sound dramatic, the truth is that This is not a permanent closure, but a temporary one for renovations.Apple has big plans for this location, and everything points to the brand taking advantage of this project to make a new leap forward in design, user experience, and possibly preparing for new products as special as Apple Vision Pro.

What is known about the closure of the Apple Store on Passeig de Gràcia

According to information leaked and gathered by various specialized media outlets, Apple is scheduled to temporarily close the Passeig de Gràcia Apple Store starting in February 2026This is not a simple cosmetic touch-up, but a major renovation that will affect a large part of the store's interior space.

Initial leaks, cited by sources such as MacRumors and national media, suggest that The store will undergo a major renovation, similar to or even more ambitious than the one it already underwent in 2019.Then, the establishment closed for several months before reopening with a completely renovated design, more open and prepared for workshops, presentations and training sessions.

On this occasion, the company has not yet issued an official statement, and Apple Spain has not publicly confirmed either the exact duration of the works or the reopening date.The only thing that seems certain is the start of the closure in February, which leaves it up in the air how long customers will be without this centrally located store.

While we await official confirmation, Rumors have skyrocketed due to the importance of the venue.We're not talking about just another store in a shopping center, but one of Apple's major flagship stores in Europe, located in a historic building and with a constant flow of locals and tourists.

In addition to the specific leak about Barcelona, The same source mentions similar movements in other cities around the world, such as the relocation of the Sainte-Catherine store in Montreal (Canada) to a new historic building, which reinforces the idea of ​​a global strategy of updating and repositioning the brand's most significant spaces.

An iconic store in Barcelona: more than just a point of sale

The Passeig de Gràcia store is not just any Apple Store: It is one of the company's flagship vessels in Spain.It opened its doors in 2012, occupying a former bank building of great architectural value and with an area of ​​around 2.500 m² spread over several floors, making it one of the largest in the country.

From the beginning, Its facade and its location on one of Barcelona's most famous avenues They transformed it into a draw for both residents and visitors strolling through the area. Many tourists take advantage of their visit to Passeig de Gràcia, with its modernist buildings and commercial atmosphere, to pop into the shop and browse the latest arrivals. iPhone, iPad o Mac.

In 2019, the Apple Store already underwent a major transformation: It closed for several months to adopt the new "public square" store concept that Apple has been implementing for yearsElements such as the large “Video Wall” for sessions, more open spaces, and an organization focused on “Today at Apple” activities, creative workshops, and events with local artists, photographers, or creators were introduced.

The upper part of the premises was configured so that customers could try and experiment with the productsThe lower, reserved areas allowed for workshops, presentations, and training activities. The idea was for the store to become more than just a place to shop; it was also a space for meeting and learning.

One very distinctive feature of this Apple Store is that Its interior design incorporates nods to Barcelona's identity, with references to modernist elements and the famous “trencadís” associated with Gaudí, creating a mix between Apple's minimalist aesthetic and the local character of the city.

Why is a store being renovated again after already being renovated in 2019?

One of the big questions that arises is why Apple is once again investing in major renovations at a store that was recently updated.We're not talking about an outdated or completely obsolete space, but a place that already underwent a complete renovation just over five years ago.

The answer might lie in the evolution of the design of the latest Apple StoresAlthough the concept of a central forum, trees, and open spaces was already implemented in 2019, the truth is that the brand's overall aesthetic has continued to evolve, increasingly opting for warm environments, natural materials, and less of the cold metal that dominated stores in the early 2000s.

Those who visit the Passeig de Gràcia store today say that The overall feeling is colder compared to newer locations., such as the Apple Store in La Vaguada or the one in Puerta del Sol in Madrid, where wood and warm finishes play a much more prominent role.

It wouldn't be surprising if one of the goals of this new work was precisely to soften that metallic aesthetic and align the Barcelona store with the latest design language, more welcoming and consistent with what Apple is doing in its most recent openings and in the renovations of other large locations.

Added to this is the fact that Apple typically uses these investments to optimize internal distribution., improving customer flows, expanding technical support areas or reserving spaces for products that require a very specific experience, something that is increasingly important in the company's retail strategy.

The role of the basement and the possible arrival of Apple Vision Pro

Another key element of this reform has to do with the lower floor or basement of the storeIn the first few years after its opening, this area was open to the public, primarily as a retail space for accessories and complements. Over time, however, this floor has been closed off and is currently inaccessible to customers.

This situation contrasts with what happens, for example, in the Apple Store at Puerta del Sol in Madridwhere level -1 also exists, but from the beginning it has been intended for internal use, training and certain events, without having had a commercial function open to the general public.

In Barcelona, ​​however, That basement was indeed a fully operational sales floorTherefore, it is now perceived as an underutilized space from a customer service perspective. Many analysts suspect that this new renovation could reclaim that space and give it a very specific strategic function.

And that's where the grand theory comes in: the possible preparation of the store for the arrival of Apple Vision ProAlthough the official availability of the mixed reality headset in Spain has not yet been announced, the clues pointing to its arrival in our country have been increasing in recent months.

One of the most striking signs has been the announcement of the Apple and Real Madrid collaborate to create immersive contentincluding the documentary “Bernabéu Infinito” filmed with space technology. It would be strange if a country that produces star content for Vision Pro didn't also have the device for sale and spaces prepared to showcase it.

Why Vision Pro needs a special space

Apple Vision Pro is not just any product in the company's catalog: We are dealing with a top-of-the-range device, with a very high price and a radically different user experience. like an iPhone or a Mac. It's not enough to just put it on another table in the store and expect people to try it out in two minutes.

For the demonstration to make sense, Quiet, semi-private, and well-controlled areas are needed.where staff can guide the user step by step, properly adjust the device, and create an immersive environment that truly showcases the product's full potential.

In many Apple Stores in shopping malls, the solution will be relatively simple: enable one or two specific tables for Vision Pro, following the model that has already begun to be seen in the United States, where the device has been available for longer.

But in flagship stores like Passeig de Gràcia or Puerta del Sol, the stakes are usually more ambitiousApple will likely want to dedicate entire areas, perhaps whole floors, to creating an immersive experience, with scheduled appointments, personalized content, and longer, more carefully curated demonstrations.

In this context, recover the basement of Passeig de Gràcia as a specific area for Vision Pro It makes perfect sense. It would be a space relatively isolated from the hustle and bustle of the ground floor, ideal for managing reservations, organizing guided sessions, and offering that "wow" effect that Apple seeks with every revolutionary product.

Impact of the closure on users in Barcelona and surrounding areas

From a practical point of view, the store's closure in February will mean a obvious disruption for those who regularly frequent this establishmentMany Barcelona residents use it as a reference point for repairs, online order collections, Genius Bar inquiries or fast technical assistance.

During There that the works last, Users will have to travel to other nearby official Apple Stores, such as La Maquinista in Barcelona or other authorized distributors (SAT) spread throughout the province, in addition to resorting to online or telephone support brand.

Although in the short term it may be a nuisance to lose such a central and convenient Apple Store, The works usually end up being beneficial for the users themselves.Whenever the company undertakes a costly renovation of this kind, the store usually reopens with larger, better-organized spaces and a design updated to the latest standards.

Far from being a sign of retreat, These types of investments usually indicate just the opposite.: that the store is functioning well, that customer traffic is high, and that Apple wants to strengthen its presence and image in the city, while also preparing for new product categories that require a differentiated experience.

One more piece in Apple Store's global strategy

The Passeig de Gràcia case does not appear to be an isolated incident, but rather part of a larger pattern. broader strategy of renovation and repositioning of key stores on an international scale. The report that mentions the Barcelona lockdown also discusses significant changes in other parts of the world.

For example, the case of the Sainte-Catherine store in Montreal (Canada)The store will relocate to a new site, possibly a 125-year-old heritage building on the corner of Rue Saint-Catherine and Rue de la Montagne. Once again, Apple is seeking to combine its modern aesthetic with iconic historic buildings.

Furthermore, the company continues expanding its retail network in growing marketsA recent example is the upcoming opening of a new Apple Store in India, specifically in the DLF Mall of India in Noida, near New Delhi, which will be the fifth store in the country.

In Spain, the trend is also clear: Apple continues to open new stores and renovate existing ones.The opening of Apple La Vaguada in Madrid at the end of 2024 is further proof that the brand not only maintains its commitment to the physical channel, but also strengthens it by adapting it to the new technological context.

In this frame, Barcelona and Madrid play a special role as major technological and tourist hubs.They not only serve the local population, but also attract visitors from all over the world, making their Apple Stores prime showcases for products like Vision Pro and for Apple's brand image in Europe.

Everything points to the fact that, when Passeig de Gràcia reopens, It will not only be updated, but also positioned as a must-visit destination for so-called "technology tourism"just like with iconic stores in New York, London or Paris.

The closure in February of the Apple Store on Passeig de Gràcia in Barcelona should be understood as a strategic pause To adapt one of the brand's most iconic spaces in Spain to the new needs of design, experience, and product. For a few months, alternatives for purchases and repairs will have to be found, but everything indicates that the reward will come in the form of a more modern, welcoming store, ready to house cutting-edge technologies like Apple Vision Pro, further solidifying Barcelona as one of Apple's major showcases in Europe.