On June 10, Apple will begin selling the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display on NTT DOCOMO’s network in Japan. This move marks a significant development for the country’s largest carrier, which has faced delays in offering new Apple products in the past.
Delayed Launch
The announcement comes after a relatively long wait since the release of the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display in November 2013. NTT DOCOMO’s website currently lists LTE plans for both iPad models, but they won’t be available for pre-order until June 2. This coincides with the first day of Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference (WDC) in San Francisco.
History of Delays
This isn’t the first time that NTT DOCOMO has experienced delays in offering new Apple products. In October 2013, the company reported a record monthly drop in subscribers for September 2013, despite being the lone remaining major Japanese carrier without the iPhone available until the release of the iPhone 5s and 5c.
iPhone Launch
The delay in launching the iPhone was partly due to negotiations between Apple and NTT DOCOMO. In 2008, competitor Softbank signed an exclusive deal with Apple to start selling the iPhone 3G in Japan. This deal helped Softbank become a bonafide competitor to NTT DOCOMO.
iPhones on NTT DOCOMO
In 2011, negotiations between Apple and NTT DOCOMO reportedly dragged out due to disagreements over app installation. Apple was unwilling to let the carrier install its own apps, including an e-wallet and mail service, on the smartphones. In return, NTT DOCOMO expressed concern about the large volume of iPhones Apple wanted it to commit to.
Preparation Time
A NTT DOCOMO spokesman told TechCrunch that "quite simply we have been considering to have the iPad ready for our network, and it took a little time to prepare for the launch." The company has been getting requests from customers who want to use the iPad on their network. As such, they are happy to now offer it to their customers.
Impact on Apple Sales
The delayed launch may have an impact on Apple’s sales in Japan. However, with NTT DOCOMO being the largest carrier in the country, the partnership could bring significant revenue for Apple.
Conclusion
Apple’s decision to sell the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display on NTT DOCOMO’s network marks a significant development in the Japanese market. While the delayed launch may have had an impact on sales, the partnership between Apple and NTT DOCOMO is expected to bring significant revenue for both companies.
Recommendations
For Apple enthusiasts in Japan, this move means they can now access high-speed LTE networks with their iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display. For NTT DOCOMO, this partnership is expected to increase customer satisfaction and drive growth in the market.
Related News
- Apple’s WWDC 2023: Apple will be hosting its Worldwide Developers Conference (WDC) in San Francisco on June 2. The conference is expected to showcase new features and updates for iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS.
- iPad Sales in Japan: The iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina display are expected to sell well in Japan due to the growing demand for tablets.
Sources
About the Author
Catherine Shu is a Senior Reporter at TechCrunch. She has covered startups in Asia and breaking news for the publication. Her reporting has also appeared in the New York Times, the Taipei Times, Barron’s, the Wall Street Journal, and the Village Voice.
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Stay up-to-date with the latest tech news by subscribing to our newsletters:
- TechCrunch Daily: Every weekday and Sunday, you can get the best of TechCrunch’s coverage.
- TechCrunch AI: TechCrunch’s AI experts cover the latest news in the fast-moving field.
- TechCrunch Space: Every Monday, gets you up to speed on the latest advances in aerospace.
- Startups Weekly: Startups are the core of TechCrunch, so get our best coverage delivered weekly.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or would like to contribute to TechCrunch, please contact us at info@techcrunch.com.
