Apple to open Online Store in the Philippines?

A tip from a source close to distributors hinted that an Apple Online Store is in the works to cater to Philippine consumers. Could apple.com.ph be launching real soon?

The source reveals that Apple would not allow resellers and distributors to sell any Apple products online. Apple is strict about this and violation could result to a revocation of license/rights.

However, this doesn’t prevent small-time sellers to offer iPods, Macbooks and other Apple products on their sites, blogs or Multiply accounts.

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In our region, only Hong Kong and Singapore have online Apple Stores. Maybe the demand for iPods and other Apple products in the Philippines has become sizable enough that it already makes sense for Apple to put up an online store.

Apple gives pretty good margins to distributors/resellers so even if they absorb the overhead of running an online store (in the Philippines) and offer free shipping, they could still be within earshot of profits. I think they can even run all these thru their Singapore hub. What do you guys think?

Watch out for apple.com.ph or store.apple.com/ph — it could be up anytime soon. I might be wrong though. This leak/rumor could be just that — a rumor.

Abe Olandres

Abe is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of YugaTech with over 20 years of experience in the technology industry. He is one of the pioneers of blogging in the country and considered by many as the Father of Tech Blogging in the Philippines. He is also a technology consultant, a tech columnist with several national publications, resource speaker and mentor/advisor to several start-up companies.

https://www.yugatech.com

15 Comments

Mikeypunch says:

16 years ago

hmm..quite interesting. What I’m gonna go for is the free shipping program.
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vance says:

16 years ago

One thing I want to see is paypal for philippines app store.. its only available for US residents..
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jhay says:

16 years ago

This would be a good thing either way. Once Apple opens an online store in the country, other merchants like Amazon could follow suit.

Ah yes, Amazon, imagine all the books I could buy from them at bargain prices way better than visiting a Power Books store.
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Keiko says:

16 years ago

apple.com.ph = cheaper macs? great idea then… how ’bout support?
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kenna says:

16 years ago

Agree with Vance!!! and Jhay
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Kuya Kevin says:

16 years ago

This would be great. Seems online buying is way underdeveloped here compared to other countries. I miss the convenience of buying online.
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Rolly says:

16 years ago

Jhay, doesn’t Amazon already ship to the Philippines for books? I’ve bought several books from them already. Although I just hoped they’d have cheaper shipping rates.

I agree that opening an Apple Store for the Philippines will give bargain savings to Apple gadget buyers. Free shipping is welcome too.

Keiko, with the number of Apple Certified Service Centers in Metro Manila you’d have the support you’d need for warranty.
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webster12 says:

16 years ago

cant wait! kelan kya mangyayari ito….kasi feeling ko mas mura ung itouch pagnagkarun ng site..wahhhh..sobrang mahal kya sa mol…meron ba kayung suggestion na murang bilihan peo mapagka2tiwalaan?
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Edna says:

16 years ago

Thanks for the good news. Buying Apple online and getting a 24-hour delivery & after sales service would be cool!
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Joenel says:

16 years ago

i tried a moc buy but it says item will be delivered in 2 days.. that’s perfect.. orders from YMZAL takes almost a month.. huuuuraaaay!
http://www.machoe.com/community-news/apple-store-philippines-now-open/
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lito says:

15 years ago

wow good news, could it be a big difference in price?
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