After running an experimental "pop-up" store in Austin during the South by Southwest (SXSW) Interactive festival last year, Apple has confirmed that it will not be participating this year. No reason was given, but the timing of the anticipated iPad 3 release may have played a role. Last year, the pop-up store appeared more than a week after the release of the iPad 2, but this year the iPad 3 will be announced just two days before the festival, and may not be immediately available.
