The U.S. Apple online store went offline a while ago for a site update and it's "We'll be back" message was translated in 18 languages. After it went back online around 6:00 a.m. Eastern (3 a.m. Pacific), it now offers a text messaging update service for customers.

The typical yellow post-it message which simply states "We'll Be Back Soon" which usually appears when the Apple online store goes offline was recently changed to a more "muted signage" which contains the following message:

"We'll be back. We're busy updating the Apple Store for you and will be back soon"

Aside from a new message, the greeting is also displayed in 18 other languages (Japanese, Korean, Chinese, French, Spanish, etc.) thus making the sign multilingual.

The site went back online around 6:00 a.m. Eastern (3 a.m. Pacific) and the only change in the site was the text messaging update service. This feature is available for online customers wherein they would be able to receive order status notifications through text message after they have purchased their Apple products online.

This feature is further explained on Apple's U.S. Homepage:

Apple Notifications is a text-message-based alerts service designed to keep you up-to-date on your shipment and/or pickup notification status. In addition to standard email notifications, you can also request text message updates when you're in Checkout. The number of messages you'll receive will vary depending on the orders you placed

What to Expect

Once your order ships, or is available for pickup, we'll send you a text message. The text message will include your order number and a link to online Order Status. Texts are sent between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. in your time zone.

Supported Carriers

The supported carriers are: Alltel, AT&T, Boost Mobile, Cricket, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless, and Virgin Mobile USA.

How to turn off text notifications:

To stop receiving text notifications, simply reply STOP to the text message. Texting HELP to 83372 will give you additional information.

This feature is currently available for U.S. and Canadian customers and it can be easily accessed during the checkout stage of any order. Apple will then send out an SMS message indicating shipment or pickup details.