Microsoft raises UK hardware prices after sterling fall

Microsoft has become the latest tech company to hike hardware prices in response the the post-Brexit fall in the value of sterling, increasing the price of some of its flagship laptops and tablets by more than 15 per cent.

The company had already raised the prices of some of its enterprise software services last October, but the latest changes will also affect retail customers.

The Surface Book, which was launched last year at a starting price of £1,299, now costs a minimum of £1,449 on Microsoft’s online store.

Microsoft said prices charged through third party vendors “will continue to be determined by them”.

The change follows similar moves from Apple, which has raised the prices of its iPhones, iPads, Mac computers and, most recently, app store purchases. Earlier this week wireless speaker manufacturer Sonos also announced price rises of up to 25 per cent for some of its products.

Microsoft said in a statement:

In response to a recent review we are adjusting the British pound prices of some of our hardware and consumer software in order to align to market dynamics. These changes only affect products and services purchased by individuals, or organisations without volume licensing contracts and will be effective from February 15, 2017.