Apple launches new Twitter account to provide tips and tricks to users online
04 Mar 2016
Apple launched a new Twitter account yesterday dedicated to customer support, a move that would expand the company's social media presence and draw immediate reaction from users complaining about their devices.
According to the Cupertino, California-based maker of phones, computers and watches, it would provide tips and tricks to users online. The company uses the handle @AppleSupport.
The new account was immediately welcomed on Twitter. One fan, Jack Dorsey (@jack), chief executive of the social media platform tweeted: ''A HUGE welcome to @AppleSupport! Now using Twitter to provide customer support through tweets and DMs!''
Apple users had already sought to take advantage of the new avenue for customer support as @AppleSupport clocked more than 48,000 followers as of midday on Thursday.
''.@AppleSupport How do I remove phone number or contacts from memory so I don't accidentally dial them. They're NOT in my address book,'' wrote Chris Powers (@cpowers) to which Apple responded in less than two hours. However, some people used the account to only complain.
Logan (@loganthefirst) tweeted, ''@AppleSupport Hey, your Trailers app really isn't good. Fandango has updates for showings on Saturday yet your app just sits there, blank.''
According to commentators, the account illustrated how Apple was expanding its social media presence, which had so far been minimal. The company does not have its own corporate Twitter account.
Apple had long offered live online chat with its support staff, through its own website, the new account, however, had brought it in line with a range of other companies by offering a way for people to get in touch over the social network.
Apple never had an official Twitter account, but has been a heavy user of the service, with most of the important tweets going out from the @AppStore account, though executives, including Tim Cook, also sent out a combination of personal and company-related posts.
The account with the @Apple name is owned by an unknown person who has never posted. Its owner joined in September 2011, and had nearly 40,000 followers but had never tweeted and only had a default egg picture.
