Apple to hike international App Store prices, add new low-cost tiers in certain countries
In an email sent to developers on Tuesday, Apple announced upcoming App Store pricing adjustments slated to affect Mexico, South Africa, South Korea and Turkey, including new low-price tiers in select emerging markets.
According to a copy of the email provided to AppleInsider by reader Gregg, Apple is raising App Store prices to account for fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and a 10-percent value-added tax (VAT) for South Korea, meaning auto-renewable subscriptions will expire in most areas. Changes are scheduled to take effect within 36 hours, the note said.
For apps sold in South Korea, Apple notes it will pay upfront VAT fees for developers outside the country before ultimately collecting that same amount on the backend. Developers living in South Korea are responsible for their own VAT contributions.
As for subscription renewals, customers in South Africa, South Korea and Turkey who have auto-renew enabled need to resubscribe once the new pricing goes into effect. Apple will send emails to subscribers including information about the price change and a link to resubscribe.
Interestingly, Apple says subscribers in Mexico, which is also subject to the new App Store pricing, will not see an interruption in service. Emails sent out to Mexican customers will also contain details regarding modifications to the digital storefront, but with a link to turn subscriptions off.
Finally, Apple is introducing two low-price tiers, dubbed "Alternate Tier A" and "Alternate Tier B," to Indian, Indonesian, Mexican, Russian, South African and Turkish markets. Apple already offers similar options through the Chinese App Store.
Apple last modified international App Store pricing in January to account for VAT, foreign exchange rates and an unstable Russian ruble. While the EU, Canada, Norway and Russia all saw increases at the time, prices were reduced for users in Iceland.
According to a copy of the email provided to AppleInsider by reader Gregg, Apple is raising App Store prices to account for fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and a 10-percent value-added tax (VAT) for South Korea, meaning auto-renewable subscriptions will expire in most areas. Changes are scheduled to take effect within 36 hours, the note said.
For apps sold in South Korea, Apple notes it will pay upfront VAT fees for developers outside the country before ultimately collecting that same amount on the backend. Developers living in South Korea are responsible for their own VAT contributions.
As for subscription renewals, customers in South Africa, South Korea and Turkey who have auto-renew enabled need to resubscribe once the new pricing goes into effect. Apple will send emails to subscribers including information about the price change and a link to resubscribe.
Interestingly, Apple says subscribers in Mexico, which is also subject to the new App Store pricing, will not see an interruption in service. Emails sent out to Mexican customers will also contain details regarding modifications to the digital storefront, but with a link to turn subscriptions off.
Finally, Apple is introducing two low-price tiers, dubbed "Alternate Tier A" and "Alternate Tier B," to Indian, Indonesian, Mexican, Russian, South African and Turkish markets. Apple already offers similar options through the Chinese App Store.
Apple last modified international App Store pricing in January to account for VAT, foreign exchange rates and an unstable Russian ruble. While the EU, Canada, Norway and Russia all saw increases at the time, prices were reduced for users in Iceland.
Comments
Not eat apple-like
Catering things to different markets is not defined as over complicating things.
Overcomplicating everything.
Not eat apple-like
Then why don't you tell a bunch of countries to get together and form a single currency, with a single market where everything will be the same price, with the same salaries, and with a single taxation system. Maybe you could start with 19 European countries, call it the "Euro". That will clearly make everything uncomplicated and everybody will live happily ever after.
Sounds good to me! The international market and various currencies are constantly changing, and Apple needs to revise and update its prices every once in a while. Those people who can no longer afford Apple products will just have to do without them. Are there any Apple stores in Greece? Apple should probably consider scaling back its operations in countries like that for a decade or two.
No, there are no Apple-owned stores in Greece, but there are stores operated by authorized resellers. Why should Apple "consider scaling back its operations" in Greece? People in Greece love Apple products and there are plenty of people who can easily afford them, despite the exorbitant prices charged by the cellular network companies.