CHOICE is calling on consumers to express their disappointment with Apple following the release of the new iPhone pricing which will cost Australian consumers up to 14% (excluding GST) more than consumers in the United States.
Apple’s price discrimination against Australian consumers flies in the face of the recommendations of Federal Parliament’s inquiry into IT pricing, which delivered a clear blueprint to reduce the digital price discrimination faced by Australian consumers in July this year.
“It is surprising and disappointing to see Apple launch a product with higher prices in the Australian market. Our past research has shown that Apple hardware was more or less the same across borders, once you exclude GST,” says CHOICE director of campaigns and communications, Matt Levey.
“There is no obvious reason for a price difference like this, and we can only conclude Apple is charging Aussies more for the new iPhones because they think they can get away with it.”
“Earlier this year, Apple fronted up at the Parliament’s IT pricing inquiry and explained why they have no control over prices in their iTunes Store. But there is no excuse here, they can’t blame the record companies or movie studios for a decision to charge Australians more for an iPhone.”
“It is disappointing that just months after we saw the spotlight fall on Apple and other tech giants for their unfair pricing, we see another major product launch and another major rip off.”
“Consumers shouldn’t be paying more for Apple products simply because they live in Australia.”
CHOICE provided a detailed submission to the inquiry, analysing more than 200 separate software products, games and music downloads, which showed Australians pay around 50 per cent more for identical goods compared to US consumers.
Read CHOICE’s submission to the IT pricing inquiry and our guide for consumers to get around geo-blocking.
Johannes, the Choice research has taken these matters into account and finds they do not justify differences.
Would it be possible that they are allowing for the current or predicted future exchange rate, plus higher Australian specific costs?