Apple hikes iPhone price hikes in Japan

Women use their smartphones in front of an Apple store in Tokyo's Omotesando district on June 4, 2019. CHARLY TRIBALLEAU AFP TOKYO - Apple 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.

With the dollar going up 18 percent against the yen year-to-date, the higher cost of the iPhone dominates Japan's smartphone market, as consumers' wallets are being squeezed by price hikes for essentials, which are the main reasons why they are being squeezed by price hikes for daily necessities.

The entry level iPhone 13 from Cupertino, California-based manufacturer is now priced at 117,800 yen $870 Apple's website shows, compared to 99,800 yen previously.

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, with the dollar up 18 percent against the year-to-date.

Apple didn't respond immediately to a request for comment.