From $999 USD vs 149,800 JPY for the iPhone 14 Pro.
$249 USD vs 39,800 JPY for the AirPods Pro 2.
Anyone else a bit depressed at this pricing model? I understand it’s a reality of the new exchange rate and cost of parts for these products, but seeing as the real wealth of people is closer to the $1:100 JPY ratio, seeing how much these products are gonna cost vs relative wealth makes the future of living here feel a bit scary..
Edit: Since half the comments are the anti-Apple grumps asking why anyone needs an iPhone, want to clarify: the point is that ALL foreign products, not just Apple, are likely to start pricing up similarly. An iPhone may not be a Big Mac in terms of economic health indicator, but a price surge at this level certainly could indicate a trend. So to everyone who is spouting to buy a Samsung, etc. instead, that’s irrelevant because those products will also likely be priced hiked accordingly.
26 comments
The problem is if they don’t match the actual exchange rate, Americans could just come and buy it in Japan super cheap.
Apple has always priced over the exchange rate for several markets to be fair. Their GBP USD pricing is 1:1 despite the exchange rate obviously not being that.
Don’t see them selling in (really poor country) for $3.99. Why would they try to make a lower profit in Japan, especially when they already have a massive market share?
Don’t have to buy Apple. The JP makers phones will be affected less by the exchange rate changes
I do understand the purpose of pricing according to the exchange rate.
I just find it depressing that these high starting prices have become the general norm for a new phone, and they’re likely to keep rising.
I’ll keep using my iPhone SE2 until it craps out on me.
Could be worse, Apple Japan is selling it at the [2nd lowest](https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/74f4e720241081a0fcf28bde01a72f153b053741) price point next only to the US.
I thought half the appeal of Apple products is getting to casually drop in conversations how much money you spent on them.
Thought US prices don’t include sales tax as each state has a different rate
Nukeni.com has worldwide prices for the various iPhone models with two entries for the US one for the state with lowest sales tax and another that is for the state with the highest. Japan is the second cheapest place to buy
I switched to Android finally a few months ago. The only thing I don’t like about it is the bluetooth and my Garmin watch don’t seem to get along.
Question is whether they will drop prices back down if/when the yen appreciates. I suspect the answer will be “neeeeeeuuuuw” (or barely so that they’re still shafting us on the exchange rate but can claim they lowered the price and are “doing us a favor”).
I’m on the search for a new iPhone, think I’ll just get the 12 mini used on mercari for like 50,000-60,000 yen.
36 month contract at ¥4100 per month. Maybe ¥8000 per month with a network? Doesnt seem bad considering its something people use about 4+ hours a day.
The problem is the current exchange rate, the yen is really weak against the dollar and that’s reflected in the prices.
It’s not fun though if everyone else can afford one.
Realistically, what does it do that a budget samsung a22 doesn’t? A bit off topic, but I just don’t get it.
just dont buy the new iphone then..?
An interesting fact for you IPhone is so costly in india that, booking a round trip to Dubai and buying an iPhone there, would still be cheaper than buying it in india. the market for iPhone is going crazy in the past two years.
iPhone 14 pro- 128GB costs-129900₹, which is like 232855.62¥
Apple products have always been at a premium price point. Their products are quality, but not the end I’ll be all. Apple is a lifestyle not a requirement. Switch over to android?
Time for the new iPhone already!?!
I only just managed to afford the newest SE in April.
Not sure how it works in the US, but at least you can pay in instalments with 0% interest in Japan.
Thats why I import all the tech I get.
Even Galaxy phones are too overpriced here.
I’m converting ¥ to £ back home. It’s actually worked out £100 cheaper! Love to see it lads!! It’s a bargain!
Why do anti apple ppl still barge into an apple thread and bitch. It’s not 2015 ffs, all your arguments have been rehashed so much it’s actually the best crypto in existence.
I m keeping my 13 pro for awhile. Love this device!
Just don’t buy Apple you pigeons.
Luxury product is expensive.
Apple realized the prices a few weeks ago already by 25%-ish. They’re still way cheaper than anywhere else. Check Europe, Germany etc in euros. Almost 40% cheaper. 😅
> Anyone else a bit depressed at this pricing model? I understand it’s a reality of the new exchange rate and cost of parts for these products, but seeing as the real wealth of people is closer to the $1:100 JPY ratio, seeing how much these products are gonna cost vs relative wealth makes the future of living here feel a bit scary.
FWIW there’s always a gap. As an Aussie I can think of (very odd) times when the Aussie dollar’s been worth more than the US dollar but… Japanese currency exchange centres still pay more for USD and Apple products cost more in Australia (as in, the price in USD remains lower during these times).
I think the reasoning is that…
– The US dollar is what people buy when global economies go to shit, so it’s always worth more than it actually is. Thus, no shop will do deals for the exact exchange rate.
– Apple doesn’t wanna keep changing its prices every time the exchange rate shifts, so they pick something and stick with it. Usually the prices have a ‘commercial’ element (think $99.95 kinda stuff) so it’s not just an ‘exchange’ going on, their marketing team also gets a say.