Apple hikes Japan price of iPhone by nearly a fifth

TOKYO (Reuters) -     Apple Inc has hiked by nearly a fifth the cost of its flagship iPhone phone in Japan, which is battling a weakening yen currency and rising inflation. 

 

The Cupertino, California-based manufacturer’s entry level iPhone 13 now costs 117,800 yen ($870), Apple’s website showed, compared to 99,800 yen previously. 

 

With the dollar up 18% against the yen year-to-date, the higher cost of the iPhone, which dominates Japan’s smartphone market, comes as consumers’ wallets are being squeezed by price hikes for daily necessities.

 

Such widespread hikes are a change for most Japanese following years of stable prices for many products. 

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

 

($1=135.6900 yen)

 

 (Reporting by Sam Nussey; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)