Skip to main content

Apple considered Uber for same-day delivery service, may have pulled out over insurance concerns

Apple considered but ultimately rejected Uber for the same-day delivery service it piloted in May and expanded earlier this month for its online store, reports the WSJ.

In recent months, Uber lost out on the opportunity to make deliveries in some cities for Apple Inc. and Starbucks Corp. , which discussed tie-ups with Uber but then made deals with startup courier service Postmates, according to people familiar with the discussions.

One possible explanation for the decision not to use Uber may be found in a comment by another online retailer, Gilt Groupe, which says it rejected Uber because the company “was unable to insure high-priced items.”

Apple’s same-day option offers delivery within four hours for a $19 courier fee, but only for certain items and within a very small number of zip codes.

Postmates appears to be the main or sole courier company being used for the service, but Apple’s offer does not extend to all areas covered by the delivery company. If you live within a Postmates area but Apple does not currently offer same-day delivery, it may be worth trying to order the product through the Postmates app.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Comments

  1. jedimindtrick99 - 9 years ago

    And they probably worry about the Über driver taking off with purchasers product(s)

    • cjt3007 - 9 years ago

      (that is why they wanted the insurance…)

    • cjt3007 - 9 years ago

      also… it would be incredibly dumb for an Uber driver to steal the item as Uber and Apple both have a record that they were in possession of the item. Unless they faked being robbed then it would be difficult to not be the main suspect of theft.

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


Ben Lovejoy's favorite gear