Apple launches support channel on Twitter

LOS ANGELES - Apple, which has never had an official corporate Twitter account, opened a way to reach the company for tech support on Twitter Thursday.

Apple joins giants like Microsoft, Adobe, Spotify and others with online support.

"We’re here to provide tips, tricks and helpful information when you need it most," says Apple on its Twitter @applesupport page. "And if you have a question, well - we’re here to help with that too."

As of early Thursday morning, @applesupport had picked up over 50,000 followers.

In a series of tweets, Apple owners asked questions about how to use their iPhones and Macintosh computers, and Apple support directed them to direct message for more help. It offered tips and tricks for the Notes app.

On Twitter, Apple also accounts for the App Store (4.3 million followers), CEO Tim Cook (2 million followers) and other executives, iTunes (946,000 followers) and iTunes Trailers (2.4 million followers)

Apple is actually larger in physical tech support than most any other company, with free in-person consultation at its "Genius Bar" at its nearly 500 Apple Stores. Getting in to see a Genius, however, requires an appointment, and often waits of days.

Many companies now use Twitter as another avenue for support, beyond the phone and chat windows, which many consumers prefer, because via Twitter, they usually, at least for now, can connect to support quicker than via other avenues.

Follow USA TODAY tech columnist Jefferson Graham on Twitter, @jeffersongraham.