Apple adjusting international prices on Mac, iOS apps
updated 09:00 pm EDT, Wed July 13, 2011
Follows rumors of changes to non-U.S. Mac prices
Apple has been adjusting international pricing in its non-U.S. app stores -- both the Mac and iOS versions -- to more closely match currency differences, resulting in most countries outside North America getting a price "cut" on Mac and iOS apps, though some countries are seeing a price increase (depending on the currency in question), 9to5Mac reports. The action follows reports that Apple hardware pricing may also soon be adjusted to reflect changes in currency differences.
The continuing slow decline of the U.S. dollar is playing a large role in the price changes, bringing (for example) Canadian app prices to par with the U.S. prices -- sometimes resulting in substantive savings on higher-priced pro apps. The Canadian dollar has been at or above par with the U.S. for a number of months. Japan, Switzerland and Australia have all seen modest price drops, reflecting their stronger currencies.
Other countries with weaker currencies, such as Mexico, have actually seen price increases in apps, with typical prices for (U.S.) 99-cent apps moving from 10 to 12 pesos, more accurately reflecting the current exchange rate. Norway has also reported slightly higher pricing, while Sweden reports slighly lower pricing. Prices in the UK, where the pound has been strong against the dollar for years now, also went up rather than down on the prices of apps -- but this may be explained by adjustments to the VAT rate alongside current exchange rates, where the dollar has gained ground recently.
Reports also have the company soon to adjust pricing on hardware to more accurately reflect current currency differences, which should result in substantive savings for some nations. UK, European and Canadian customers have complained bitterly about the slow pace of price adjustments on expensive hardware in the face of stronger currencies. Apple may opt to adjust prices to current levels with the new wave of expected refreshes to the MacBook Air, Mac mini and MacBook lines that should be coming shortly. [via 9to5Mac]
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Nor before time. Here in Australia where our dollar is worth more than the US dollar we pay more for hardware and applications from Apple, and have done so for a long time.