Apple has kicked off a promotion for its online store in the US, offering free next day shipping on all iPhone models.
Though Apple offers free shipping across its online store for orders above $50, the expedited deal for the iPhone appears to be a limited-time promotion. The company has been known to offer upgraded next day shipping during the holiday season, so it’s possible that it expects customers to purchase iPhones in time for the upcoming Easter holiday.
Customers will be limited to purchasing two iPhones with the shipping offer.
The timing of the promotion is also noteworthy as Apple’s competitors are preparing to release their own flagship smartphones for 2013. Samsung, Apple’s fiercest rival, announced its Galaxy S 4 handset earlier this week and will release the device next month. Meanwhile, HTC is attempting to stage a comeback with its HTC One smartphone, which has been receiving largely positive reviews.
Apple may also be trying to give iPhone 5 sales a boost now that the device has been out for about six months. Next day shipping might be enough to tip prospective buyers who were thinking about waiting for the next model.
We’ve reached out to Apple to get an idea how long this deal will last, but if you need an iPhone as a last-minute gift, now is a good time to buy.
Buoyed by the launch of the iPhone 5, the company sold a record 47.8 million iPhones last quarter, but it will likely see a sequential drop in sales during the March quarter.
Image credit: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.