Reversing the historical trend of falling prices for electronics has become the new market reality. There was a time when consumers expected that, over the years, the value of technology items would decrease; however, this expectation is being challenged.
Apple now joins other companies that have chosen to increase the cost of equipment that has been on the market for some time. The technology giant announced a set of significant increases for its audio devices and home theater solutions, a new development that directly impacts the consumer’s pocket.
The 64 GB model of the Apple TV 4K, originally launched in 2022, has been adjusted, costing £199 in the United Kingdom, $199 in the United States and AU$299 in Australia. Previously, the values were £149, $130 and AU$219, respectively. For the 128GB version with Ethernet, the price has risen to £249, $249 and AU$399, up from the initial £169, $179 and AU$249.
HomePod speakers were also included in the increases. The HomePod 2 has been increased in value to £349 in the UK, $349 in the US and AU$549 in Australia, up from £299, $299 and AU$479 previously. Likewise, the HomePod Mini, which hit the market in 2020 and hasn’t received any major updates since then, now costs £129, $129 and AU$199, a jump from the original £99, $99 and AU$149.
In addition to audio and home entertainment items, the brand’s iPad tablets and Mac computers also recorded increases in their sales values.
Interestingly, iPhone phones and AirPods headphones were spared from this wave of readjustments, or even had a slight write-off. The AirPods 4 and AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation have had their prices reduced by £10 on both models.
For those who have been waiting for new versions of the Apple TV 4K or HomePod with a screen, products that have been speculated about for years, the recommendation may be to purchase the existing options. There is a window of opportunity to purchase current-generation models in stores that have not yet adjusted their inventory to Apple’s new official prices, especially before major events like Prime Day.
At the time of the investigation, we identified some points of sale in the United Kingdom, the United States and Australia that continue to sell this equipment at pre-adjustment prices.
However, there is no certainty that these old values will remain available and may be changed at any time.