The tenth generation iPad is already a reality. But beyond its all-new design, Apple’s most basic tablet is also generating conversation because now significantly more expensive in Europe. start in €579while the previous generation could be purchased from €379. Although the simplest thing would be to think that those from Cupertino made this increase for no apparent reason and with the sole objective of favoring their income, there are a couple of key factors that have caused the price increase.
First of all, you have to understand that the tenth generation iPad arrives with a new design. For many years we expected the most basic iPad to adopt Apple’s latest industrial design language, which is already present not only in the rest of the tablet lineup, but in virtually all Apple devices.
But this move also involves a “sacrifice” that is rarely talked about: producing a new design is often more expensive. Why? It is necessary to adapt the production line and, possibly, resort to new components. It is well known that we are going through a time when the parts that make up a mobile device have increased in price in a significative way.
Without going any further, just a few weeks ago we told you that manufacturing an iPhone 14 Pro costs Apple almost 20% more. This is due to rising costs in specific components, including the processor. The A16 Bionic costs 2.4 times more to manufacture than its predecessor, the A15 Bionic. Although the tenth generation iPad integrates an older chip (A14) —and therefore less powerful—, it is no stranger to the problems of scarcity and price increases that are experienced in the production chain.
The iPad has also been affected by the economic situation
The second factor, of course, has to do with the economic outlook. The value of the euro has plummeted notably if we compare it against the dollar. Fears of a possible recession, coupled with tensions caused by a war that is unlikely to end soon, are hurting the European currency.
Today, there is parity between the euro and the dollar, and this is being reflected, to a lesser or greater extent, in the prices of the technology industry. Apple, being a US company with tax obligations within that country, is required to convert its income into dollars. The problem is that the conversion, considering the collapse of the euro, would affect their income if an adjustment is not made to compensate for that fall.
Unfortunately, rarely will we see a company absorbing the loss to keep the price intact for consumers. Perhaps for the same reason Apple has decided to keep the ninth-generation iPad for sale. Its price starts from 429 euros (also more expensive) and is still a good option for those who need a tablet to perform basic tasks.