Amazon signs an agreement with Apple to sell iPhones, iPads

Thomson Reuters

By Jeffrey Dastin

(Reuters) – Amazon.com Inc. announced on Friday that it would market more Apple Inc. products around the world in time for the holiday season, as technology competitors put aside their technological differences to boost sales.

In the coming weeks, the world's largest online retailer will sell the latest editions of iPhone, iPad and other Apple devices in the United States, Europe, Japan and India. . Amazon has already sold a limited assortment of Apple including Mac computers and Beats headphones.

The agreement points out that major brands such as Apple and Nike Inc., which have long resisted product distribution via Amazon, are turning more and more to the e-commerce site as it has become an essential means of communication for reach the customers. Amazon has also taken a tougher stance on counterfeit products.

Starting Jan. 4, Amazon will rid its Apple product website of third-party merchants not licensed by the tech company based in Cupertino, California. Nevertheless, buyers will find unbranded accessories, such as headphones, compatible with Apple devices.

Third-party merchants will be allowed to sell as they did during the holiday season, while Amazon will add Apple products to its official Apple page on Amazon.

The range will include the Apple Watch but not the Apple HomePod, a high-end alternative to Echo's voice-activated device from Amazon. Such competition in Silicon Valley is often done to the detriment of customers.

Last year, Alphabet Inc. released its YouTube video streaming application of two Amazon devices, due to several complaints against the online retailer, including its decision not to sell certain Google products. Amazon now offers Apple TV, but only after its compatibility with Amazon's Prime Video.

"We are working with Amazon to improve the experience of Apple customers on their site and we hope that they will have another great way to buy an iPhone, an iPad, an Apple Watch, a Mac and more, "Apple said in a statement.

About 71% of Apple's sales during the 2018 fiscal year, closed in September, were achieved through indirect distribution channels such as Amazon.

(Report by Jeffrey Dastin and Stephen Nellis in San Francisco, edited by Dan Grebler)