The coronavirus pandemic continues to limit the amount of time that can be spent safely in stores. Apple is responding by shifting much of its in-store activity online.

Apple's online shift began almost a year ago with the launch of digital Today at Apple sessions led by staff creative pros to showcase different ways to use the company's gear. Starting this week, Apple plans to expand its online presence by launching virtual product skills sessions around key hardware.

These skills sessions will focus on the iPhone, Mac, and iPad, and getting the most out of the software (iOS, macOS, and iPadOS) that runs these devices. Because Apple makes software updates widely available to older hardware, the skills sessions will be of interest to those who have not yet upgraded to the latest phones, Macs, or tablets.

Apple will use WebEx to host skills sessions. For example, there will not be a panel with other attendees' faces on it, to perpetuate the idea that Apple's creative pros are there to focus on tips and tricks. They can also ask questions and interact with session leaders.

Sessions can be signed up for at Apple.com/today, and Apple will host one session each week in a different time zone. The maximum number of participants is capped at 250 per session. These online skills sessions will run through September, even as the coronavirus outbreak eases and normal activity resumes at Apple's brick-and-mortar stores.

The launch of online skills sessions is Apple's latest move to reshape its retail approach to accommodate shoppers who are staying home due to COVID-19 concerns. These efforts include the ability to view recent Apple product releases like the iPhone 12 in augmented reality from Safari on the iPhone and online setup sessions with Apple specialists when purchasing new hardware from Apple.