LG reportedly aiming to boost business with Apple after exiting from smartphone biz

LG Group is reportedly looking to further push its business relationship with Apple. This comes after the company decided to withdraw from the smartphone business.

Yonhap News Agency noted that there are rumors that LG is also planning to sell Apple’s iPhone units in its stores and this fueled the reports that the South Korean electronics company wants to expand its dealings with the American tech firm.

LG promoting iPhones in S. Korea

LG Electronics recently launched a special promotion featuring Apple products, including iPhones, iPads, and iPhones, through the company’s Lifecare online shopping mall. Insiders shared this was opened for the firm’s employees.

This is the first time that LG Electronics has ever offered smartphones and devices that are from other brands. The promo is exclusive to the company’s employees’ purchase program.

The offer was made since LG stopped manufacturing mobile phones. The company announced in April that it will make its exit in the mobile phone business by July due to years of losses. It has closed down hundreds of stores in the country as a result.

Now, sources shared that LG wants to bolster business ties with Apple for its own future growth. Aside from the latest promotion of Apple products, LG has already been supplying parts to the iPhone maker, such as cameras and displays. These dealings are now serving as the base for the two companies’ businesses to prosper further into the future.

Controversy over LG’s alleged plan to sell iPhones

At any rate, when the news that LG is planning to start selling Apple’s devices in its own stores, the company was blasted for the plan. Local smartphone distributors, as well as private entities, have expressed disappointment and annoyance since their businesses will be affected by this decision. Since they are the rival companies for iPhone, the local sellers said LG will be helping the foreign brand in beating them if the plan is to go ahead.

Meanwhile, The Korea Herald reported that the Korea Commission for Corporate Partnership also reminded LG about its agreement with the commission, about its vow to help smaller players in the business so they can thrive as well. If LG starts to sell Apple’s products, it would clearly be breaking its pledge.