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LG has agreed to sell Apple's iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches at its "LG Best Shops" in South Korea from August, according to a report by the local Herald Economic Daily.

iphone-12-box.jpg

The Apple products will go on sale at 400 LG stores across the country. As part of the agreement between the two parties, all Macs are excluded from the sales, since LG's laptop offerings overlap with Apple computers.

The news comes after initial stumbling blocks over the proposed deal appeared to make an agreement unlikely. According to the report, LG faced stiff resistance from the National Mobile Communication Distribution Association, which viewed the proposal as a direct violation of an earlier "win-win" competition agreement to do with the sale of mobile phones.

However, a "negotiable in case of change" clause in that agreement has been cited by the regulatory bodies to argue that it is too early to judge whether LG is in violation, given its changed position in the industry.

LG Electronics recently announced its withdrawal from the smartphone business, and when it completely withdraws from the mobile business at the end of this month, retail space previously used for marketing its handsets will be vacant. Apple meanwhile saw an opportunity to increase its retail presence in Korea, and the two companies began negotiations.

Korea's Distribution Association is reportedly awaiting LG's official statement on the matter while it renegotiates the win-win agreement once it starts selling Apple's products in its stores.

Article Link: Apple Reportedly Agrees to Deal to Sell iPhones in Korean LG Retail Stores From August
 
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Colour me a little bit surprised. I knew they were close, but I didn't realize they were so close that Apple would be willing to do this. I guess practicality trumps pride this time around.
 
Now we know why LG gave up the Phone business, I smell secret agreements here.
Maybe the next iPhone display will be from LG, or some other component.
Buying away the competition...
They gave up because they just weren't selling phones lol. I dont think Apple would do an agreement like that, they will choose the best component that is available for their devices. If the next iPhone has a LG display it will be because their quality comply the apple standard. Not need to risk the quality for some agreements
 
LG and Magna are going to manufacture the Apple Car. LG knows where it’s future revenue is so of course it will sell iPhones in its store. Nice to keep your future Partner happy.
 
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Colour me a little bit surprised. I knew they were close, but I didn't realize they were so close that Apple would be willing to do this. I guess practicality trumps pride this time around.
Apple only has like, I think two Apple stores in S. Korea. In contrast, Singapore has 3, and Japan has 10 (to draw comparison with other developed Asian markets). So Apple definitely needs more retail presence. Imo it's a win win. LG gets some use and money out of the space they already have, Apple has access to hundreds of retail channels almost immediately. Not quite sure where pride goes in this context.
 
Apple only has like, I think two Apple stores in S. Korea. In contrast, Singapore has 3, and Japan has 10 (to draw comparison with other developed Asian markets). So Apple definitely needs more retail presence. Imo it's a win win. LG gets some use and money out of the space they already have, Apple has access to hundreds of retail channels almost immediately. Not quite sure where pride goes in this context.
I mention pride because AFAIK, Apple has never done this before. They don't sell in Samsung stores in Korea, nor do they sell in MS stores elsewhere in the world.

It makes business sense though, since Apple is no longer competing against LG in the handset market.
 
Now we know why LG gave up the Phone business, I smell secret agreements here.
Maybe the next iPhone display will be from LG, or some other component.
Buying away the competition...
LG is a conglomerate. Their phones and washing machines and all those are separate companies from each other. Just like Samsung is.
 
Now we know why LG gave up the Phone business, I smell secret agreements here.
Maybe the next iPhone display will be from LG, or some other component.
Buying away the competition...
You should really loosen your tin foil hat.
 
I feel a bit sad for LG, they made exceptional OLED TV, smartphone displays but can't find a way to be competitive in smartphone (beyond just smartphone). They remind me like Sony in smartphone : they have the ability to make exceptional hardware and quality product, but they have awkward identity/marketing and not so polished software
 
Apple only has like, I think two Apple stores in S. Korea. In contrast, Singapore has 3, and Japan has 10 (to draw comparison with other developed Asian markets). So Apple definitely needs more retail presence. Imo it's a win win. LG gets some use and money out of the space they already have, Apple has access to hundreds of retail channels almost immediately. Not quite sure where pride goes in this context.
Yes, one in Yeoido and one on Garosugil. There’s another one being built in Myeongdong
 
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