Image: Apple/Cult of Mac
Apple has announced that it will increase the prices of apps and in-app purchases on the App Store in Europe and some other countries. The changes come into effect starting October 5, 2022.
The weakening Euro has forced the Cupertino giant to make this move.
Get ready to pay more for apps on the App Store in Europe
Apple says the price increase will affect all countries using the euro currency. This includes France, Germany, Spain, and other key European territories. Additionally, app prices are rising in Chile, Egypt, Japan, Pakistan, Malaysia, South Korea, Sweden, and Vietnam. The cheapest app tier of €0.99 will increase in price to €1.19. Similarly, an app priced at €9.99 will cost €11.99 next month. Other pricing tiers are also seeing a similar price hike.
In Vietnam, the price increase also considers the VAT and corporate income tax. To adhere to the local laws, Apple must collect and remit them to the required authorities in the country.
Auto-renewable subscriptions are not affected by this change. So, if you have subscribed to a few apps and services through the App Store, you will continue paying the same amount for them. However, it is up to developers if they want to preserve the pricing for existing subscribers or not.
Weakening currency forcing Apple to adjust the App Store pricing tier
Apple regularly adjusts the App Store pricing tier against inflation and weakening currency. Its latest move also comes amid a similar situation. This year, Euro, Japanese Yen, and other currencies have significantly weakened against the U.S. dollar.
The weakening currency is also why Apple products have become more expensive in Europe and other international markets this year.
