Apple’s high street stores get a great deal of attention, but the more recent iOS version of its stores are also worthy of note. The initial release of the app made it possible to browse through Apple’s portfolio, check prices and find your nearest store – now Apple Store version 2.0 has hit the app store. There are two big new additions to the app, starting off with EasyPay. This eliminates the need to head to the checkout, and enables you to pay for goods with your iTunes account.

If you happen to be wandering past an Apple Store – providing you are in the US, that is – and decide that you want to buy a new case for your iPhone, or fancy another accessory for your idevice, but don’t fancy the idea of braving the lengthy looking queues, you can take things into your own hands. You can use your iPhone 4 or 4S to scan the barcode of said accessory and pay for it with your iTunes account without the need to deal with store staff or other customers.

The second interesting new feature is Personal Packup. This makes it possible to choose a item you want to buy, pay for it within the app and reserve it for collection at your nearest store. Again, this is currently a US-only feature, but it is one that is likely to be welcomed, particularly if the claim that in-stock items will be ready for collection within the hour is true.

Both of these features are exciting new additions to the Apple Store app, but if you prefer to stick to online ordering in the more ‘traditional’ way, there’s still something for you. The app can now be used to track the status of existing orders so you can monitor the progress of your latest purchase every step of the way.

You can find out more and download the latest version of the app by paying a visit to the Apple Store review page.