Apple is raising the price of both iOS and Mac apps in several territories by 25 percent or more. These price hikes are as a result of Apple reacting to a number of different factors. However, the result is the same as always… consumers are getting shafted yet again.

As reported by BBC News, in the UK, Apple is raising the price of apps and in-app purchases by 25 percent across the board. This means a £0.79p app will now cost £0.99, and a £1.49 app will now cost £1.99 etc. The price of Super Mario Run, which was already an expensive option, is rising from £7.99 to £9.99.

Other countries set to see the price of apps increase include India and Turkey. In India, the price of a $0.99 app will rise from 60 rupees to 80 rupees, which represents a 33 percent increase. In Turkey, the price of a $0.99 app will rise from 2.69 lira to 3.49 lira, which represents a 33 percent increase.

Is This Really All Because of Brexit?

Several publications are reporting that this is all down to Brexit, and the fluctuations in currency that have occurred since. However, that would only potentially explain what's happening in the UK, and not in the other countries where prices have also been hiked up.

Apple issued a statement addressing the increase in app prices, saying:

“Price tiers on the App Store are set internationally on the basis of several factors, including currency exchange rates, business practices, taxes, and the cost of doing business. These factors vary from region to region and over time."

It's fair to say various currencies have been affected by world events in 2016. However, most of these price hikes are as a result of changes to the rates of tax and VAT being charged on app purchases. Which means Apple can simply pin the blame on the governments in those countries.

Ditching the Apple Ecosystem in Protest!

This isn't the first time Apple has increased the price of apps, and it certainly won't be the last time either. However, 25 percent is a sizable increase overnight, and one which consumers will certainly notice. Whether anyone is annoyed enough to ditch the Apple ecosystem in protest remains to be seen.

Do you regularly purchase apps from Apple's App Store? Are you going to be adversely affected by these new price hikes? Will the new prices put you off buying apps? Or will you continue buying apps as normal? Please let us know in the comments below!

Image Credit: 8ware via Flickr