Apple to increase UK and Europe app prices

Prices for content and applications in Apple’s App Store in the UK and Europe are to rise this week as Apple compensates for currency fluctuations and changes in taxation rates. The Cupertino company sent a message to Apple Developers on January 7th outlining that the prices would rise in all European Union countries along with Canada but will drop in Iceland.

The price changes are set to come into effect within 36 hours meaning you’re likely to see the cost of your apps rise within the next few hours. If you haven’t hit buy on an app you’ve been looking at, it might be worth buying it now before the cost rises although Apple UK haven’t confirmed to us the new pricing for apps in the UK. The Mac App Store is also set to see prices rise although these changes will come into force by the end of the week.

The message, as detailed by Apple Insider, reads:

Within the next 36 hours, prices on the App Store will increase for all territories in the European Union as well as in Canada and Norway, decrease in Iceland, and change in Russia.

“These changes are being made to account for adjustments in value-added tax (VAT) rates and foreign exchange rates.”

The change in Russia’s App pricing is not detailed but the volatility in the strength of the Ruble has already seen the company close its online e-store and increase app pricing. When the online store returned after six days, the cost of iPhones, iPads, Macs and other products has risen by up to 35% and it’s unclear whether the App Store changes are going to be yet another price increase.

Have you spotted an app that’s risen in price and if so, which one and by how much did it increase? Let us know in the comments below.