Apple‘s online storefront commenced a scheduled downtime period at midnight on January 2nd, preceding its annual “First Sale” event. This year’s initial sales event offers customers a new Apple Gift Card with select purchases and a limited-edition AirTag with qualifying iPhone purchases, while supplies last.
Pre-Sale Maintenance
Beginning around 8:00 PM on January 1st, the “Apple Store” application and Apple’s digital marketplace displayed a “Please wait a moment” message, entering maintenance mode and temporarily suspending sales. Access was restored at midnight on January 2nd, enabling transactions, including those related to the “First Sale” promotions. Participation in the “Hatsuuri” event is feasible via Apple’s online store, the Apple Store app, physical Apple Stores, or by phone.
Acquire a New Apple Gift Card with Qualifying Purchases
During Apple’s 2022 “Hatsuuri” event, purchasing eligible products grants customers up to 24,000 yen in the form of a new Apple Gift Card—first launched in Japan in November 2021.
