Apple Store Increased Prices for Apps and In App Purchases

Until I saw this, I had not noticed as I am trying to avoid spending money on the game (luxury for me nowadays), thanks lynnk2021.

Except Vietnam, there is no explanation that may probably "justify" why the prices for the apps and the in-app purchases have increased. Speculation is dollar value versus Euro.

I have searched a little bit. Apparently, it happened before (2 years ago) where Apple increased the prices.

For this increase at hand, the additional charge gets bigger, the higher amount in-app purchase one wants to make. For example, "the price for 20 diamonds went from 20 Swedish crowns to 27 Swedish crowns", which I also verify. And the price for 4000 diamonds has apparently increased from app. 1040 Swedish crowns (SEK) to 1395 SEK. App. 350 SEK increase is quite brutal in my opinion (as a comparison, I just bought the coming 2 weeks essential basic food for 810 SEK).

Speaking in terms of games: I am a bit confused because I (previously) thought that the developers and Apple had to make a kind of "compromise" on how much will be charged, for example, for in-app purchases. When I look at the increase, I am not sure how the developers did or would give an "OK", since the increase is really high especially considering the current economic situation in the world. Moreover, it seems to me from the attachment (at first glance) that Apple can apply discretionary pricing. E.g., the higher additional charge for more favourite games, compared to less favourite games. Well, for sure, this increase is not to the favour of the customers who are using Apple products because there is no other way to buy apps or to make in-app purchases.

This reminds of a situation that may turn to a case in the future against Apple for the breach of competition rules in EU (it should be May or April 2022 - it is about Apple Pay if one wonders, a bit complicated case). Even though the circumstances and the facts between that situation and this increase are different, I believe that this increase will likely not be welcomed for various reasons. For example, Apple may probably be considered as applying discretionary or excessive pricing depending on how the relevant market (where a possible abuse by Apple may be established) can be defined, or applying pricing that is in conflict with the consumer protection laws (this argument must be run by "someone", e.g., a body that represents consumers' interest). But in this instance, as the customers have no other choice, other than Apple store, to buy apps or to make in-app purchases, this can be a denominator.

Anyway, thanks again for the info - really very interesting. Perhaps, the EU will regulate the pricing (though not an ideal method), which will accordingly lead to the regulation at the national levels. Let's hope for the best for everyone.