Apple’s iPhone Prices Increased By 35 Percent In Russia After Ruble Continues To Drop
This is iPhone's second price increase in less than a month due to the weakening Russian ruble. The tech giant has raised the price of its flagship devices by 35 percent. Currently, the 16GB version of the iPhone 6 is now sold for 53,990 rubles or equivalent to US$978. The 128GB model now costs 69,990 rubles or US$1265, while the 128GB iPhone 6 Plus now costs 77,990 or US$1410. The iPhone 6 Plus is now the most expensive model available on Apple's online store in Russia, CNET reports.
The ruble's deflation has made foreign goods like electronics and cars, even food and clothing more expensive, which give Russians a hard time. The price of the U.S. dollar in Russia has increased by 70 percent this year. The conversion started from 32.9 rubles last January to more than 56 rubles as of today.
In addition, prices of other Apple products that are sold in Russia have also been increased and are much more expensive versus U.S. prices. The 16GB version of the iPhone 6 Plus costs 61,990 rubles or US$1138, but in the United States the 16GB model only costs US$749. The 13-inch MacBook Air is sold at 77,990 rubles or equivalent to US$1431, which is still more expensive compared to the US$999 U.S. price, Computer World reports.
Apple has also increased an internal exchange rate in its Russian App store which resulted to a price increase even on its basic applications, which now cost 62 rubles compared to its previous 33 rubles cost. Meanwhile, even Samsung Electronics have boosted its prices in the Russian market.
According to analysts, Apple derives a very small percentage of its over-all sales from Russia but the tech company doesn't underestimate Russia's growing market. Just last year, iPhones' sales in Russia have sold 1.57 million units or equivalent to US$1 billion.
Apple only sells the iPhone through its online store in Russia and does not run any Apple retail stores within the country. The company's products are also available in the country through third-party retail sellers.
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