Apple has increased the prices for the iPad mini, iPad, and iPod touch in the online Apple Store in Japan.
According to Reuters, the Japanese yen continues to weaken after a devaluation across the past several months, which could be the reason for the price increase.
Prior to the increase, the least expensive entry level iPad (4th generation) was priced at ¥42,800, while the smaller iPad mini came in at ¥28,800. Today’s increase in price brings the iPad and iPad mini to ¥49,800 and ¥32,800, respectively, a difference of about $40 for the iPad mini and $70 for its larger sibling. That means that to purchase a 16G Wi-Fi iPad mini in Japan will now cost consumers $324, and the larger iPad 16G Wi-Fi model to $492.87, using current exchange rates.
The iPod touch had its own price increase of about ¥5,000, with the base model 5th generation 32G iPod touch retailing for ¥29,800.
Apple has raised its prices before. In 2011, Apple adjusted prices upward to compensate for higher taxes in Japan.
Source: Reuters