Apple and Best Buy appear to be forging even closer ties.
After giving the No. 1 CE retailer first dibs on its smart watch, the House That Jobs Built will now begin sharing its eponymous warranty programs with the chain.
Beginning Sept. 13, shoppers will be able to purchase AppleCare and ApppleCare+ extended warranty plans for iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch and other eligible Apple products in Best Buy stores, making it the first national retailer aside from carrier stores to offer the program.
According to MacRumors, which obtained an internal training video, and 9to5Mac, which first reported the news, Best Buy-sold Apple plans will integrate the retailer’s own Geek Squad support services, allowing customers to have their i-devices repaired by either partner.
Pricing and plan terms will be the same through both venues, including accidental damage coverage with AppleCare+.
The pact will reportedly be in place in time for the expected launch of iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus next month.
According to a 9to5Mac source, Best Buy was initially cool to the deal, which requires Geek Squad to share the repair-service spotlight.
Nevertheless the partners share a long history, which includes the creation of dedicated in-store Apple sections that predate Best Buy’s current crop of Samsung, Microsoft and other branded shops.
Best Buy is scheduled to report its second-quarter financials on Aug. 25.
