Apple is looking to raise the prices of apps in Europe, along with Norway and Canada, due to VAT and foreign exchange rates.
The update, coming from iTunes Connect users via Apple Insider, will happen within 36 hours. Apple is also dropping prices in Iceland, and Russia will be subject to “undefined change” in price, whatever that means.
For now, it appears to only affect countries in and around the E.U., although Apple could look to bump up prices in the U.S. and other developed regions, giving developers increased revenue.
China recently got a price reduction, allowing apps to be sold for as little as £0.09. Most app developers have seen major leaps in downloads since the change in price, allowing Chinese residents to buy more apps.
It is the first time in a while Apple has updated its cheapest price for an app, normally a bad decision if app developers want more freedom. The current minimum price in the UK is £0.69.
Developers already make more revenue on iOS than Android, thanks to less mobile piracy on the operating system and higher prices per app. The VAT changes would mean Apple makes little to no surplus on the price increase however.
We will wait and see when Apple’s changes hit the UK.
