So, you’re heading to the Apple Store Somerset Mall Troy. It’s basically the epicenter of tech for Metro Detroit, tucked away in that massive, high-end sprawl of the Somerset Collection. Honestly, if you’ve lived in Michigan long enough, you know Somerset isn't just a mall; it’s an event. And the Apple Store there? It’s usually packed.
Most people think they can just stroll in on a Saturday afternoon and get a screen fixed in twenty minutes. That’s a mistake. A big one.
The reality of the Apple Store Somerset Mall Troy is that it’s one of the busiest retail locations in the entire Midwest. It sits in the North side of the mall—the side with the Neiman Marcus and the Nordstrom—which means the foot traffic is relentless. If you’re looking for a quick "in and out" experience, you need to understand how this specific store operates, because it’s not like the smaller boutique shops you might find elsewhere.
Why Somerset North is the Place to Be
The Somerset Collection is split into North and South by a giant, enclosed skywalk. The Apple Store is located on the second floor of Somerset North. Why does this matter? Because parking at Somerset North is a whole different beast compared to the South side.
If you’re coming for an appointment, park in the North parking deck. Seriously. Don't try to be a hero and park at the South side just because you want to walk across the bridge; you’ll lose fifteen minutes just navigating the crowds. The store is positioned near the center court, making it easy to find once you’re inside, but the sheer volume of people in that wing can be overwhelming during the holidays or new iPhone launches.
What makes this location stand out is the sheer scale. It’s got the full "Today at Apple" setup with the massive video wall. You'll see kids learning to code on iPads or photographers showing off how to edit RAW files on a Mac. It’s cool, but it adds to the noise level. It’s loud. It’s bright. It’s very... Apple.
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The Genius Bar Reality Check
Let’s talk about the Genius Bar. Everyone calls it that, though Apple technically just calls it "Support" now. Whatever you call it, don't show up without a reservation.
I’ve seen people wait two hours just to talk to someone because they thought they could walk in with a dead MacBook. It doesn't work like that at Somerset. Because this mall draws people from all over Oakland County and even down from Flint or over from Canada, the queue is almost always full.
Use the Apple Support app. Book it three days out.
If you do show up as a walk-in, be prepared for the "standby" line. Sometimes they can squeeze you in, but usually, they’ll just take your phone number and tell you to go get a coffee at the Starbucks downstairs. You’ll get a text when they’re ready. If you’re lucky, it’s 20 minutes. If it’s a Saturday in December? Forget about it.
Buying vs. Browsing at Somerset
Shopping here is actually pretty great if you aren't looking for tech support. The floor staff—the folks in the blue shirts—are usually incredibly fast with the handheld EasyPay systems.
You want a pair of AirPods? You don’t even need to talk to anyone if you use the Apple Store app on your own phone. You can literally walk in, scan the box, pay with the card on file in your Apple ID, and walk out. It feels like shoplifting, but it’s the most efficient way to handle the Apple Store Somerset Mall Troy crowds.
However, if you need a high-spec MacBook Pro—maybe you’re a video editor looking for 64GB of RAM—they might not have it in the back. Somerset carries the "standard" high-end configs, but the really niche stuff is usually a "ship to store" situation.
- Standard iPads? Always in stock.
- Base model iPhones? Usually plenty.
- Customized Studio Displays? Probably not.
One thing people get wrong is thinking the prices are different because it's a "fancy" mall. Nope. The price is the price. But the sales tax in Troy is 6%, so keep that in mind if you're coming from a state with no sales tax—though, in this part of the country, that's unlikely unless you're making a massive trek from out of state.
The Environment and Accessibility
The store layout is the "New Generation" design. We’re talking big glass windows, light oak tables, and actual trees inside the store. It’s beautiful, honestly.
For those with accessibility needs, the Somerset Apple Store is quite spacious. The aisles between the long wooden tables are wide enough for wheelchairs, and because it’s inside Somerset North, there are elevators nearby and plenty of accessible parking in the attached decks.
The lighting is very bright. If you have sensory sensitivities, the combination of the bright LED panels and the constant chatter of a hundred people can be a bit much. Tuesday mornings are generally the "quiet" time. If you can swing a 10:30 AM visit on a weekday, do it. You’ll have the place almost to yourself.
Is the Somerset Location Better than Twelve Oaks or Partridge Creek?
This is the big debate for Metro Detroiters.
Twelve Oaks in Novi is also a huge store, but it feels a bit more "suburban mall." Somerset feels like a flagship. Partridge Creek in Clinton Township is an outdoor mall, which is miserable in a Michigan February when you have to walk from your car to the store in a blizzard.
Somerset is the "prestige" location. The staff here often seem to be the most experienced, likely because they deal with a high volume of professional clients from the surrounding business districts in Troy and Birmingham. If you have a really complex enterprise-level issue with a fleet of iPhones for a business, the Somerset team is usually better equipped to handle it than the smaller mall kiosks.
Hidden Secrets of the Troy Location
Most people don't realize there’s a massive boardroom hidden in the back. It’s for "Briefings." If you run a small business in Troy, you can actually schedule a meeting with their Business Team. They’ll take you into a quiet, professional room away from the screaming kids and the loud music to talk about volume purchasing and deployment. It’s a totally different world than the retail floor.
Another tip: The Wi-Fi. If you’re stuck in the mall and your cell signal is hovering at one bar—which happens in some of the deeper parts of Somerset—just stand near the Apple Store entrance. Their guest Wi-Fi is consistently the fastest in the building.
Technical Support Limitations
While the Apple Store Somerset Mall Troy is great, they aren't miracle workers.
They don't do component-level board repair. If you spilled coffee on your Mac and the logic board is fried, they aren't going to solder new chips onto it. They’re going to offer to replace the entire board, which usually costs a fortune if you don't have AppleCare+.
This is a point of contention for many. People walk in expecting a $50 fix and walk out with a $700 quote. It’s important to realize that Apple’s "repair" philosophy is mostly about "replacement." If you want a tiny capacitor replaced, you might be better off at a local independent repair shop in Royal Oak or Clawson, but keep in mind that going that route will void any remaining Apple warranty.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To make your trip to the Apple Store Somerset Mall Troy actually productive, follow this checklist. Don't wing it.
1. Make the Appointment Early
Check the "Apple Store" app or the website at least three to five days before you plan to go. If you see a slot open at 11:00 AM on a Tuesday, grab it.
2. Back Up Your Data
The Geniuses will ask you this immediately. If your phone isn't backed up to iCloud or a computer, they might refuse to touch it. They don't want the liability of losing your wedding photos during a battery swap. Do it at home on your own Wi-Fi before you arrive.
3. Bring Your ID
If you’re picking up an online order or getting a device serviced, they need to see a government-issued ID. No, a photo of it on your phone usually won't cut it if the manager is being strict.
4. Check the "Somerset Collection" App
Sometimes the mall has specific events or valet deals. If the North deck is full, the valet at the North entrance is actually reasonably priced and saves you thirty minutes of circling for a spot.
5. Update Your Software
A surprising number of "bugs" people bring to the store are fixed by a simple software update. Save yourself the trip and make sure you’re on the latest version of iOS or macOS first.
The Apple Store Somerset Mall Troy is a powerhouse of a retail space. It’s busy, it’s shiny, and it’s very efficient if you play by their rules. Go in with a plan, a reservation, and a backed-up device, and you’ll actually have a decent time. Walk in on a Saturday without a plan, and you’ll just end up frustrated and wandering into the LEGO store next door to decompress.