Apple Discussed Delivery Deal With Uber Before Postmates Agreement

In late May, Apple began offering same-day delivery of certain products in its Apple Store app via a partnership with courier service Postmates. Before that agreement was in place, Apple was in talks with Uber about a similar partnership, according to the Wall Street Journal.

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 Inc., according to people familiar with the discussions.

The deal with Apple would have been a part of Uber's same-day delivery service, which it launched last year. The transportation company had plans to sign up dozens of retailers for the service but only ended up with 6 partnerships. It's unclear why talks between Apple and Uber fell apart, but a Gilt spokesperson told the WSJ that Uber was unable to insure high-priced items and that it "fell short of expectations".

Delivery with Postmates through the Apple Store app is currently only available within the Bay Area for a $19 delivery charge.