It is in the luxury shopping district of Magnificent Mile, adjacent to Pioneer Plaza.

[2] The original 30,000 square feet (2,800 m2), three-floor store featured a stone facade with an apple logo shaped window, green roof, skylight, and signature glass staircase.

[8][9][10] The opening was attended by Tim Cook and Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner.

The HVAC system was modified to heat and cool the glass, matching the outdoor temperature and preventing the buildup of moisture.

[citation needed] Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin praised the stores openness, noting how little space is dedicated to actual product, and stated that the store kept with the local tradition of private riverfront buildings providing public space, which dated back to the Chicago Daily News Building.