Britain hit hard by Apple Mac price hikes
LONDON — Britain’s impending exit from the European Union is leading to higher prices for Apple Mac computers here.
The tech giant unveiled a new line of MacBooks on Thursday and used the opportunity to announce price hikes for its other, older Apple Mac computers.
Apple Mac buyers in the U.K. must hand over 20% more — or up to $610 — starting Friday. It follows a drop in the pound's value against the dollar following the country’s vote to exit the European Union.
"Apple has to recalibrate prices after significant currency fluctuations, and since the E.U. referendum, U.K. prices are out of sync with the dollar," said Patrick O'Brien, an analyst at the Verdict Retail consultancy, according to the BBC.
He added: "While price increases won't look good to the consumer, it's difficult to blame Apple."
The price of one Mac Pro desktop rose from $3,048 (£2,499) to $3,658 (£2,999). A 13-inch MacBook Air jumped from $1,035 (£849) to $1,157 (£949.)
A 12-inch MacBook was hiked from $1,279 (£1,049) to $1524 (£1,249.)
The pound has fallen 18% against the dollar since the vote for Brexit at a referendum in June.
Earlier this week, Microsoft announced its cloud products would cost business customers here up to 22% more.