Amazon officially announced that it would carry more Apple products globally in time for the holiday shopping season, as the technology rivals put aside past differences to boost sales.
In a few weeks from now, the world’s biggest online retailer will sell the latest editions of Apple’s iPhone, iPad, and other devices in the U.S., U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Japan and India. Previously, Amazon only sold a limited assortment from Apple which included Mac computers and Beats headphones.
The deal underscores how top brands such as Apple and Nike, which long resisted distributing products via Amazon, are increasingly turning to the e-commerce site because it has become a critical channel for reaching customers. Amazon has taken a harder line on counterfeit goods as well.
As of the 4th of January 2019, Amazon will remove Apple products from third-party merchants not authorised by Apple. However, non-branded accessories will still be available — like headphones — that are compatible with Apple devices.
Third-party merchants will be allowed to sell as they have been through the holiday season, while Amazon will add Apple products to its official Apple at Amazon page.
About 71 percent of Apple’s sales in fiscal 2018, ended in September, were through indirect distribution channels like Amazon.
