Waiting in the UK proved to be a truly horrible decision...

[JamerG]

Was very excited a few weeks ago when I decided to replace my 2009 PC with my first ever iMac. Had my eye on a refurbished 27 inch 2 TB iMac for £1,550, but decided to wait given the general consensus that an update was likely in October.

Not only was nothing announced yesterday, but at exactly the same time Apple increased its IMac (and other product) prices in the UK significantly, allegedly due to currency fluctuations caused by Brexit. My refurbed iMac would (if still available) now be £1,950. New prices have increased £300 - £400 across the board.

Whilst I can understand the currency point, I have to say that increasing the price of year-old computers by 20 - 30% on the same day that they must have known that many people were waiting to see if updates were announced seems deeply cynical (and to my mind foolish) on Apple's part.

In 24 hours I've gone from a definite new iMac customer to someone who will not buy one at this point, and may now never do so.

 

[scotttnz]

In NZ iMac prices actually reduced significantly. Our dollar is much stronger now than the last time prices were adjusted, so I'd say it is exchange rate related rather than a conspiracy by Apple to gouge people who waited for today's announcements.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Was very excited a few weeks ago when I decided to replace my 2009 PC with my first ever iMac. Had my eye on a refurbished 27 inch 2 TB iMac for £1,550, but decided to wait given the general consensus that an update was likely in October.

Not only was nothing announced yesterday, but at exactly the same time Apple increased its IMac (and other product) prices in the UK significantly, allegedly due to currency fluctuations caused by Brexit. My refurbed iMac would (if still available) now be £1,950. New prices have increased £300 - £400 across the board.

Whilst I can understand the currency point, I have to say that increasing the price of year-old computers by 20 - 30% on the same day that they must have known that many people were waiting to see if updates were announced seems deeply cynical (and to my mind foolish) on Apple's part.

In 24 hours I've gone from a definite new iMac customer to someone who will not buy one at this point, and may now never do so.

That's brexit for you, falling pound is the reason and our 20% VAT has always made macs a bit more expensive here (remember they add sales tax after in the US). Should have gone for it, why not try Amazon or eBay there are still deals out there.

 

[mullock87]

If the price rise was caused by Brexit then why did Apple also rise the price across most countries?

Bottom line is Apple is using Brexit as an excuse to screw us Brits even more despite us being one of their biggest markets. Their new MBPs are also a lot more expensive then what the old ones were when they were first released.

I would say don't get the iMac, instead get a PC and you'll probably save yourself enough money for a decent holiday.

 

[JustMartin]

Both the Euro and Dollar exchange rates have got much worse for the Brits over the last three months. Since, Apple just announced results yesterday, I guess it's as good a time as any to put their prices in line. Having said that, we haven't seen devaluation of 20% have we?

 

[tom vilsack]

I thought all you Euro's built your own computers and used Linux.

 

[Lankyman]

Was very excited a few weeks ago when I decided to replace my 2009 PC with my first ever iMac. Had my eye on a refurbished 27 inch 2 TB iMac for £1,550, but decided to wait given the general consensus that an update was likely in October.

Not only was nothing announced yesterday, but at exactly the same time Apple increased its IMac (and other product) prices in the UK significantly, allegedly due to currency fluctuations caused by Brexit. My refurbed iMac would (if still available) now be £1,950. New prices have increased £300 - £400 across the board.

Whilst I can understand the currency point, I have to say that increasing the price of year-old computers by 20 - 30% on the same day that they must have known that many people were waiting to see if updates were announced seems deeply cynical (and to my mind foolish) on Apple's part.

In 24 hours I've gone from a definite new iMac customer to someone who will not buy one at this point, and may now never do so.

Did you vote to leave or remain in the EU. If you voted leave then you have nothing to complain about.

 

[JamerG]

Did you vote to leave or remain in the EU. If you voted leave then you have nothing to complain about.

I voted remain.
[doublepost=1477660151][/doublepost]

That's brexit for you, falling pound is the reason and our 20% VAT has always made macs a bit more expensive here (remember they add sales tax after in the US). Should have gone for it, why not try Amazon or eBay there are still deals out there.

You're a legend. Just got the 1TB fusion off Amazon for £1,480. Only a few left!

Thanks.

 

[baronbuzby]

last time I looked - John Lewis, Currys, very still at the old prices

I ordered one last night at 1599 plus10% cash back - now £1999

 

[shaunp]

Was very excited a few weeks ago when I decided to replace my 2009 PC with my first ever iMac. Had my eye on a refurbished 27 inch 2 TB iMac for £1,550, but decided to wait given the general consensus that an update was likely in October.

Not only was nothing announced yesterday, but at exactly the same time Apple increased its IMac (and other product) prices in the UK significantly, allegedly due to currency fluctuations caused by Brexit. My refurbed iMac would (if still available) now be £1,950. New prices have increased £300 - £400 across the board.

Whilst I can understand the currency point, I have to say that increasing the price of year-old computers by 20 - 30% on the same day that they must have known that many people were waiting to see if updates were announced seems deeply cynical (and to my mind foolish) on Apple's part.

In 24 hours I've gone from a definite new iMac customer to someone who will not buy one at this point, and may now never do so.

Get a PC instead. Apple have lost the plot anyway. Or just upgrade bits in the one you have.

 

[Sirmausalot]

Both the Euro and Dollar exchange rates have got much worse for the Brits over the last three months. Since, Apple just announced results yesterday, I guess it's as good a time as any to put their prices in line. Having said that, we haven't seen devaluation of 20% have we?

We were in Britain in 2014-2015 and the pound was about 1.8 to 1 and falling. Wasn't it about 1.5 when BRexit pushed it off a cliff too 1.25, nearly 20% -- and it will likely continue to fall until this mess is sorted out. Like no Brexit.

 

[rossy100]

So I was in the exact same boat.... although was actually ready to buy a 5k iMac earlier in the week ...... so had been to apple Store and talked through all the options (made up a very specific config including accessories) with one of the staff members. I explained that I would be returning on Friday (today) to purchase....... so was particularly concerned prior to my visit having seen the prices go up by £400+!!

Anyway, i spoke to the store manager and explained the situation. He was very understanding and after a little posturing on his end, and stubbornness on mine (I don't like taking no for an answer), he agreed to discount back to the price I'd been quoted on my original visit. I think what swung it was fact that I could walk two minutes down the road to John Lewis and pick up the exact same model for the original price! It was pretty hard for him to argue with this, as it makes no commercial sense not to reduce price. Was really pleased and went ahead with the purchase . He also put on my EPP discount code (as was included in quote earlier in week), which effectively covered the AppleCare cost (meaning for same money as JL I still got 3 years coverage but with Apple rather than JL - which was always my preference).

So obviously common sense can prevail sometimes Well done Apple Store

Interestingly I see that JL are now out of stock, and I fully expect their prices to increase as soon as new stock arrives. Already other retailers (e.g. Dabs (now BT)) have increased to match Apple during today.

 

[chipbutty]

Completely agree. I'm in the UK, post Brexit, and in the same boat. I held on to my money, waited for the announcement, no new iMacs. So this morning I though ah well I'll just buy the current model. I load up the Apple web site and see the new prices! Apple must have known that people in the UK were waiting on their announcement yesterday for any news on a new/updated iMac. Why could they not have held on for another week or two before putting the prices up by 20%? As a gesture of goodwill at least for those of us waiting on the news. Putting the prices up at exactly the same time as making the announcement is terrible PR. What a kick in the teeth.

Was very excited a few weeks ago when I decided to replace my 2009 PC with my first ever iMac. Had my eye on a refurbished 27 inch 2 TB iMac for £1,550, but decided to wait given the general consensus that an update was likely in October.

Not only was nothing announced yesterday, but at exactly the same time Apple increased its IMac (and other product) prices in the UK significantly, allegedly due to currency fluctuations caused by Brexit. My refurbed iMac would (if still available) now be £1,950. New prices have increased £300 - £400 across the board.

Whilst I can understand the currency point, I have to say that increasing the price of year-old computers by 20 - 30% on the same day that they must have known that many people were waiting to see if updates were announced seems deeply cynical (and to my mind foolish) on Apple's part.

In 24 hours I've gone from a definite new iMac customer to someone who will not buy one at this point, and may now never do so.

 

[trims]

Both the Euro and Dollar exchange rates have got much worse for the Brits over the last three months. Since, Apple just announced results yesterday, I guess it's as good a time as any to put their prices in line. Having said that, we haven't seen devaluation of 20% have we?

Yep, the Pound is down 20% since Brexit. Welcome to the post-Brexit world . . . .

 

[iGeek2014]

I voted Leave.

I'm fully aware there were going to be consequences of my actions.

Maybe I'm optimistic... but part of me feels once things are starting to roll Sterling will increase in value again.

Because there's a lot of hot air and uncertainty at the moment it's doing us no favours whatsoever.

However there are a fair few countries where prices have also increased significantly so whilst a lot of people wish to blame Brexit it's worth pointing out those countries haven't had a Referendum!

 

[jeanlain]

I thought all you Euro's built your own computers and used Linux.

You thought wrong.

 

[chipbutty]

I wouldn't say it was a conspiracy but it's very poor at best from Apple. Obviously prices get adjusted but given the circumstances - people holding on to their hard earned cash and waiting patiently for the 27th and iMac news - then seeing no new iMac they decide to get a current iMac only to find out that Apple have raised the prices by 20% as soon as the event had finished!

Rather distasteful that they overlooked the situation here in the UK or just didn't care. They could've held on for a few days to allow those of us following the event and in the market for a new iMac to buy a current one before the prices escalated.

In NZ iMac prices actually reduced significantly. Our dollar is much stronger now than the last time prices were adjusted, so I'd say it is exchange rate related rather than a conspiracy by Apple to gouge people who waited for today's announcements.

 

[Malus120]

I think the most important takeaway from experiences like the OP's are that Apple pays attention to (significant) currency fluctuations and adjusts their prices accordingly generally at the closest event or refresh that they take the store down for.

Here in Japan, where the Yen has appreciated from around 122 JPY/$1USD - 103 JPY/1USD, Apple actually REDUCED prices by almost 20% and the prices here are actually ever so slightly lower than the US prices BEFORE the 8% sales tax.

So no, while I do think raising the prices on old computers (AKA old inventory) is a dick move on Apple's part, I don't think there is a grand conspiracy to screw the British (or the people of the other countries where prices have gone up).

The point, is that if you live in a country other than the USA, you need to be aware of significant fluctuations in your currency vs USD, realize that a price adjustment from Apple could come at any time, and plan accordingly. Never assume Apple won't raise prices just because there hasn't been an update, or in the opposite scenario, after prices have been adjusted, the new models won't be cheaper than the old.

In my case, I bought a Retina iMac (the one in my sig) in 2014 on release day for about 310,000 JPY (locally this feels like $3100, but due to currency fluctuations at the time it was probably actually closer to $2700), and ended up selling for 286,000 JPY a week before Thursday's event. Turns out, once Apple adjusted the prices for the currency swing, I can get a new 2015 model with the same specs for around what I just sold my 2014 model for. Hopefully this will hold true into "early 2017"....

 

[cambookpro]

If the price rise was caused by Brexit then why did Apple also rise the price across most countries?

Bottom line is Apple is using Brexit as an excuse to screw us Brits even more despite us being one of their biggest markets. Their new MBPs are also a lot more expensive then what the old ones were when they were first released.

I would say don't get the iMac, instead get a PC and you'll probably save yourself enough money for a decent holiday.

Base 27" iMac in the US: $1,799
Convert to GBP ($1:£0.82): £1,475.80
Add 20% VAT: £1,770.96
Base 27" iMac in the UK: £1,749

Apple are hardly being harsh or unfair - this is just what our currency is worth at the moment. There was some faint hope before the event that Apple would keep prices artificially low here as the UK is a large market, but it's hardly fair to criticise them for not doing so. At the moment, we're actually getting a better deal relative to the US price, something which hasn't happened for a long time.

Should the pound recover a bit, I have no doubt that prices will readjust at the next update to reflect that. For the time being though, welcome to our new cost of living...

 

[dogslobber]

I voted remain.

Find somebody who voted to leave and ask them for the difference. They're to blame.