Most of Japan’s 20,925 Seven-Eleven convenience stores will sell official Apple iPhone accessories including EarPods, Lightning cables, and power adapters. The deal marks what is likely the first time a Japanese convenience store chain has sold real Apple-manufactured accessories, at least with the official approval of Apple.
Japanese blog Macotakara says beginning May 22, approximately 90% of the Seven-Eleven stores located in Japan will begin vending the accessories. The accessories will first appear at stores in central Japan, including stores in Tokyo, the Nagano Prefecture, and the Yamanashi Prefecture. The initial release cycle will also include the northern island of Hokkaido.
“By selling Apple accessories at Seven-Eleven throughout the country,” announced the company in a translated press release, “we will provide many customers with the convenience of being able to purchase at ‘when they want,’ ‘immediately,’ and ‘nearby’ stores.” (Via AppleInsider)
“We will develop a lineup of nine products in total,” continues the release.”In addition to audio charging accessories, Lightning cables (0.5m, 1m, 2m) of different lengths that can be used in various scenes, accessories for high-speed charge that iPhone 8 or later supports (18W USB-C power adapter and USB-C to Lightning cable.”
While not specifying a timeline for the rollout or cite a specific number of stores that will gain the accessories, it does say that Apple Accessories “will gradually expand nationwide.”
In other Seven-Eleven news, the convenience store chain’s Japanese stores will begin discounting food that is near the “sell by” date. So, you will now be able to buy a Lightning cable, and some day-old “onigiri” rice balls and “bento” boxed lunches in a single stop. What a time saver!
