Apple hikes UK prices on some older Mac models by 20% in response to declining British pound
Apple raised the U.K. prices of some older Mac models overnight on Thursday, compensating for the slide in the pound's value since June's "Brexit" vote.
The Mac Pro -- which hasn't been updated in almost three years -- now costs 2,999 pounds ($3,650), up from 2,499 pounds, Bloomberg noted on Friday. The Mac mini, which was last updated in 2014, has been hiked from 399 pounds to 479 ($582).
"Apple suggests product prices internationally on the basis of several factors, including currency exchange rates, local import laws, business practices, taxes, and the cost of doing business," a spokesperson said in a boilerplate statement. "These factors vary from region to region and over time, such that international prices are not always comparable to U.S. suggested retail prices."
The pound's value has fallen 18 percent since June, leading a number of companies -- including Apple rival Microsoft -- to raise some of the their prices, while others have simply had to bear the expense.
Apple launched new MacBook Pro models earlier on Thursday. In the U.K., systems equipped with a Touch Bar and Touch ID start at 1,749 pounds, or $2,126, though that includes VAT charges.
The Mac Pro -- which hasn't been updated in almost three years -- now costs 2,999 pounds ($3,650), up from 2,499 pounds, Bloomberg noted on Friday. The Mac mini, which was last updated in 2014, has been hiked from 399 pounds to 479 ($582).
"Apple suggests product prices internationally on the basis of several factors, including currency exchange rates, local import laws, business practices, taxes, and the cost of doing business," a spokesperson said in a boilerplate statement. "These factors vary from region to region and over time, such that international prices are not always comparable to U.S. suggested retail prices."
The pound's value has fallen 18 percent since June, leading a number of companies -- including Apple rival Microsoft -- to raise some of the their prices, while others have simply had to bear the expense.
Apple launched new MacBook Pro models earlier on Thursday. In the U.K., systems equipped with a Touch Bar and Touch ID start at 1,749 pounds, or $2,126, though that includes VAT charges.
Comments
That's not how businesses work. What are the supporting examples for this?
Apple lost me this time, Im not about to stump up and additional £700 for the equivalent new MacBook pro 15" (compared to £1999 for the previous 15" with 512GB storage). Its just not worth that price premium in the current economic climate. Likewise the same for the 13" models. I will likely ride out the storm of brexit and see what state the UK is in after it, not looking good so far.
I doubt it will ever happen but perhaps a second referendum on Brexit might bring out the complacent to vote this time? If not then it may be a long road but hopefully one day in the future the £ will recover. Until it does I am just going to live with it and I suggest UK buyers will have to too. It isn't just Apple products that cost more when your currency nose dives, my heart goes out to the British it truly does. Never assuming your going to win in a vote is the lesson I hope we here in the USA take to heart! IMHO voting should be mandatory both in the UK and America!
Evidence? The retail struggles to keep prices the same are playing out in public: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37639518
"Is any one doing that?" Well your question is unfortunately badly worded. Do you ask is anyone trying to strengthen the £ or is anyone whining? If the former then I am not qualified to answer, if the latter, then yes, anyone commenting Apple has 'adjusted its prices' are in denial that exchange rates are simply mathematics. Any discussion following the comment regarding adjusting prices or people writing this is not nice of Apple are in denial also.
Observing that the prices have gone up, and that makes the products less appealing is not whining. You're suggesting that some people are saying they should be compensated by someone. Who is doing that?
Further to this, the cause of the exchange rate fluctuation is the vote to exit the EU, something that many people voted against. I don't think it's suprising that people might be a bit narked that something they don't want is going to hit them in their wallet. If you want to call that "whining", well that's politics.
Apple didn't raise the price, the price was altered by exchange rates. When I cash a £ check at Wells Fargo and I get 22% less should I ask them why they lowered the amount of $s I get? No, I have a brain and know the exchange rate went down. Whining at the lady in the bank would be stupidity. In fact I see her often and she kindly winced and said 'Ouch' as she isn't stupid either.
What you are suggesting is others absorb the exchange rate. I'd like that too, want to contribute to my pension? Perhaps I should ask Wells Fargo (who have lots of money) to make it up for me? I suspect they'd point out that's not how business works, whatever you may want to believe.
Exchanging currency directly is a totally different kettle of fish. Apple's prices in the UK are not listed in $.
IF the pound regains its value then you could see an adjustment down in price, Apple have done this once before.