Apple raises iPhone prices in Australia by around 15 percent

Just after Apple’s special media event on Monday, Australian iPhone buyers were treated to an unpleasant surprise. According to techly.com, Apple raised handset prices around 15 percent in the country.

Apple apparently made the move due to a weakening Australian dollar compared to the U.S. dollar. In September, after the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were announced, an Australian dollar was worth 91.5 U.S. cents. But today, it’s worth 77 cents. That’s around a 15 percent decrease.

The price increase affected all versions of the iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6, and iPhone 5s. For example, an unlocked 16GB iPhone 6 increased from AU$869 to AU$999. The entry-level 16GB iPhone 6 Plus jumped from AU$999 to AU$1,149. A 128GB iPhone 6 Plus jumped AU$200.

Prices for other Apple products, like the iPad and MacBook, haven’t increased – yet.

Phone carriers in the country haven’t increased their iPhone prices, but that could soon change as well.

Along with Australia, Apple also recently raised prices on certain items in a number of markets like Canada, New Zealand, and France because of currency fluctuations.

The U.S. dollar has recently surged to its highest level in more than 10 years.

Has anyone in the affected countries decided to not make an Apple purchase because of the price increases? Those iPhone price increases in Australia definitely look to be nasty for consumers.

For other recent news today, see: Now, even Timex has a smartwatch, Stuck with your Apple Watch configuration? This flowchart can help, and The list of supported Apple Pay merchants, cards and apps continues to grow.