Tag: price hike

  • Disney+ and Hulu Prices Rise in the US: Here’s What Subscribers Pay Now

    Disney+ and Hulu Prices Rise in the US: Here’s What Subscribers Pay Now

    Walt Disney has officially raised subscription rates for Disney+ and Hulu in the United States, with the new pricing taking effect on September 23, 2026. The company increased most plans by at least $0.50, but the biggest jump is on ad-free tiers, which are now $2.50 more per month.

    The revised rate structure is clearly designed to steer subscribers toward combined Disney+ and Hulu bundles. A standalone ad-free subscription now costs $21.49 per month, while the ad-free bundle is only $21.99 — making the bundle the more attractive option for users who want both services.

    New Disney+ and Hulu pricing at a glance

    Plan New Monthly Price
    Disney+ ad-supported $12.49
    Hulu ad-supported $12.49
    Disney+ ad-free $21.49
    Hulu ad-free $21.49
    Disney+ and Hulu ad-supported bundle $12.99
    Disney+ and Hulu ad-free bundle $21.99

    Paying separately for both ad-free services now costs a total of $42.98 each month. That is nearly twice the $21.99 monthly price of the ad-free bundle. The ad-supported bundle remains unchanged at $12.99, reinforcing Disney’s push toward its combined streaming offering.

    ESPN-inclusive bundles also cost more

    Selected packages featuring ESPN saw increases as well. The Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Select ad-supported bundle is now $21.99 per month, while the premium ad-free version rose from $29.99 to $32.99. Disney left the ESPN Unlimited bundles untouched at $35.99 and $44.99 per month.

    Why prices keep climbing

    This marks the fourth consecutive year of price increases across Disney’s streaming services, following a similar round of hikes in 2025. The move is also part of a wider industry pattern; according to TechCrunch, Apple TV+ and Peacock both raised their prices in August.

    Disney is simultaneously working to deepen platform integration and create a more unified Disney+ experience that brings Hulu content closer together. The company reported an 11% increase in combined Disney+ and Hulu entertainment streaming revenue in its latest quarter.

    Who is affected

    New subscribers will pay the updated rates immediately, while existing subscribers will see the new prices on their next billing cycle. The changes apply to U.S. subscriptions only and do not directly affect Indian users. Viewers in India should check local options such as JioHotstar for applicable streaming rates.

  • How Apple’s Price Hikes Are Driving Refurbished iPhone Demand in India

    How Apple’s Price Hikes Are Driving Refurbished iPhone Demand in India

    Apple’s latest iPhone price increases in India are pushing more consumers toward refurbished models, as the widening gap between new and pre-owned devices makes older iPhones a more attractive entry point into the Apple ecosystem. With the iPhone 17 starting at ₹99,900 — a 21% jump — and the 1TB iPhone Air soaring 41% to ₹2,24,900, buyers are increasingly looking for certified second-hand options.

    Higher iPhone Prices Could Lift Refurbished Demand

    Refurbished marketplace Cashify expects the latest iPhone launch to significantly boost trade-ins and demand for older devices. The company forecasts a sharp rise in buybacks during the first 30 days after launch, accelerating over 60 to 90 days as more used units enter the resale channel. Festive-season discounts, exchange offers, and broader availability could further sweeten the deal for consumers unwilling to spend nearly ₹1 lakh on a base-model iPhone. Certified refurbished phones, which come with testing, grading, and warranty support, are likely to gain particular traction.

    Counterpoint Research data underscores the trend: refurbished smartphone sales in India grew 13% year-on-year in the first half of 2026, while new smartphone sales declined about 11%. Analyst Prachir Singh noted that “rising memory costs are changing the value equation for consumers,” making refurbished devices a cheaper route to high-end features.

    iPhone 13, 14, 15, 16 May Draw More Buyers

    Cashify anticipates strong growth in buybacks for the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16 series as owners upgrade, increasing the supply of these models in the refurbished market. Older models remain key: the iPhone 13 accounted for 6.93% of smartphone buybacks on Cashify but made up 15.5% of refurbished demand, ranking as the platform’s best-selling refurbished iPhone and most frequently traded-in model. Counterpoint also highlights the iPhone 13 as a preferred refurbished choice in India.

    The iPhone 16 may initially command a higher price in the refurbished segment due to its resale value, but as more units reach the second-hand market, buyers will see a wider price range across generations.

    Certification, Battery Health May Shape Buying Decisions

    Higher demand for refurbished iPhones puts a premium on device quality. Buyers are likely to scrutinize battery health, warranty terms, repair history, physical condition, and testing records before purchasing. Organized refurbishers that test, repair, and certify devices stand to benefit, though local second-hand sellers still dominate — Counterpoint data shows specialized platforms handle only about 20% of second-hand phone sales.

    As new iPhones become more expensive, previous-generation devices offer a lower entry price for consumers who still want an iPhone. The ultimate trajectory of refurbished iPhone demand in India will hinge on availability, resale pricing, festive offers, and buyer confidence in certified devices.

  • BMW India Plans Fourth Price Increase in 2026 as Rupee Weakens and Costs Rise

    BMW India Plans Fourth Price Increase in 2026 as Rupee Weakens and Costs Rise

    BMW Group India is preparing to raise vehicle prices for the fourth time in 2026, driven by the weakening rupee and escalating commodity costs. The luxury automaker has already implemented three price hikes this year, with total increases of up to 5% across its BMW and MINI lineups.

    Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO of BMW Group India, confirmed that another price revision is under consideration, potentially as early as next month. “The forex has hit us quite a bit. We have increased prices by 4-5% till now and there’s another one around the corner,” Brar said. He noted that foreign exchange conditions have deteriorated by about 18% since January 2025, putting significant pressure on margins.

    Expanding Local Production to Offset Costs

    Brar made the announcement following the launch of the new BMW 7 Series in India. The flagship luxury sedan is now available with both petrol and fully electric powertrains, including the high-performance BMW i7 M70. Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh unveiled the new models and was introduced as the brand voice for BMW India.

    To mitigate cost pressures, BMW is expanding local assembly. The new BMW i7 will be produced at the company’s Chennai plant, making India the only country outside Germany to locally manufacture the electric luxury sedan. However, the higher-performance i7 M70 will continue to be imported as a completely built-up unit.

    Pricing for the New 7 Series

    The new BMW 740 M Sport is priced at Rs 1.95 crore (ex-showroom), while the electric BMW i7 eDrive 50 xDrive M Sport carries the same ex-showroom price. The top-of-the-range BMW i7 M70 xDrive is priced at Rs 2.65 crore (ex-showroom) and will be imported.

    BMW did not specify the size of the next price increase, but Brar confirmed that another revision remains on the table as the company navigates currency volatility and rising input costs. Deliveries of the new 7 Series are expected to begin in October 2026.

  • Xbox Series X and Series S Prices Soar in UK and Europe—Microsoft Blames AI-Driven Component Costs

    Xbox Series X and Series S Prices Soar in UK and Europe—Microsoft Blames AI-Driven Component Costs

    Microsoft has raised the prices of Xbox Series X and Series S consoles across the United Kingdom and several European markets, with the revised pricing taking effect in early August 2026. The increase, which reaches up to €200 or £170 depending on the model, marks one of the company’s largest console price adjustments to date. Microsoft attributes the move to soaring memory and storage component costs, exacerbated by surging demand from the artificial intelligence industry.

    Updated Xbox Console Prices in the UK and Europe

    The updated pricing affects nearly every current Xbox console. As part of the product lineup changes, Microsoft has also confirmed it is discontinuing the 2TB Xbox model. The price hikes make Xbox consoles significantly more expensive for gamers in these regions.

    Why Microsoft Increased Xbox Console Prices

    According to Microsoft, the increase reflects broader challenges across the technology industry rather than a shift in its gaming strategy. The company stated that storage and memory costs have risen more than 2.5 times compared with previous levels and are expected to remain high through 2027. Increasing investments in AI infrastructure have raised the need for sophisticated memory and storage chips, thereby straining the global supply chain. Microsoft noted that similar cost pressures have affected other consumer electronics manufacturers, leading several gaming companies to revise hardware pricing in recent months.

    What the Price Increase Means for Gamers

    This latest hike follows the third major revision to Xbox pricing in 2025, breaking from the usual trend where gaming consoles become cheaper as they age. While Microsoft will still offer financing and refurbishment of consoles in selected countries, the price increase may deter cost-sensitive customers looking to upgrade or purchase a new Xbox. As the current console generation enters its later years, the revised pricing is expected to play a key role in consumer purchasing decisions, particularly when comparing Xbox with competing gaming platforms.

  • Sony Raises PS5 Slim Disc Edition Price Ahead of GTA 6 Launch

    Sony Raises PS5 Slim Disc Edition Price Ahead of GTA 6 Launch

    Sony has increased the price of the PlayStation 5 Slim Disc Edition in multiple international markets, citing inflation, rising manufacturing costs, and currency fluctuations. The move comes as the company balances profitability with demand ahead of major game releases like Grand Theft Auto VI.

    The price hike affects the standard PS5 Slim Disc Edition, while other PS5 models and accessories are impacted differently depending on the region. Sony attributed the change to the difficult global economic climate affecting hardware manufacturing costs.

    Why Sony Raised PS5 Prices

    Unlike previous console generations that became progressively less expensive, the PlayStation 5 has seen several price increases since its 2020 launch. Sony pointed to ongoing inflation, rising component costs, and currency exchange rates as key factors. The company also adopted a market-specific pricing strategy, adjusting prices based on how economic conditions in each region affected operational costs.

    What the PS5 Slim Offers

    The PS5 Slim has become Sony’s most popular gaming console since replacing the original PS5. It delivers the same performance in a more compact design, featuring 1TB of internal storage and a detachable Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive.

    Price Revision Ahead of Major Game Releases

    The latest price adjustment arrives before an anticipated surge in PlayStation 5 demand, driven by upcoming blockbuster titles such as Grand Theft Auto VI. Industry observers believe the long-awaited game could encourage more consumers to purchase the console despite the higher price point. However, analysts warn that repeated price hikes may dampen interest among budget-conscious buyers.

    What Happens Next

    Sony has not announced additional price revisions for other markets at this time. The company continues to emphasize that inflation, higher memory chip costs, and supply chain expenses remain significant factors in its hardware pricing decisions. This latest increase reflects Sony’s effort to strike a balance between profitability and steady consumer demand as the PlayStation 5 enters a later stage of its lifecycle.

  • Today’s Tech Roundup: Tata Chip Plant, Google AI Coding, Nubia Smartphone, JPMorgan India Hiring, Samsung Foldable Price Increase

    Today’s Tech Roundup: Tata Chip Plant, Google AI Coding, Nubia Smartphone, JPMorgan India Hiring, Samsung Foldable Price Increase

    In today’s top tech news, Tata’s new chip factory is set to boost India’s semiconductor ambitions, Google is strengthening its AI coding capabilities, Nubia has leaked details of an upcoming AI smartphone, JPMorgan is expanding hiring in India, and Samsung foldable phones may become more expensive.

    Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analysis on these stories.

  • Tech Roundup: Samsung Unpacked 2026, iPhone Price Increase in India, GTA 6 Launch, OpenAI Controversy, and Apple Lawsuit

    Tech Roundup: Samsung Unpacked 2026, iPhone Price Increase in India, GTA 6 Launch, OpenAI Controversy, and Apple Lawsuit

    Samsung is gearing up for its highly anticipated Unpacked 2026 event, while iPhone prices are expected to rise in India. Meanwhile, Grand Theft Auto 6 aims for a record-breaking launch, OpenAI faces growing backlash, and Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI. Here’s a quick rundown of today’s top tech stories.

    Samsung Unpacked 2026
    Samsung is preparing to unveil new devices at its Unpacked 2026 event. The tech giant is expected to showcase the latest Galaxy smartphones, foldables, and possibly new wearables. Industry watchers anticipate significant upgrades in camera technology, battery life, and AI integration.

    iPhone Price Hike in India
    Apple may increase iPhone prices in India due to rising import duties and currency fluctuations. The potential hike could affect the entire lineup, including the latest iPhone models. This move comes as Apple continues to expand its manufacturing footprint in the country.

    GTA 6 Eyes Record Launch
    Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto 6 is on track for a historic launch, with pre-order numbers and anticipation breaking records. The game is expected to set new benchmarks for the gaming industry, both in terms of sales and cultural impact.

    OpenAI Faces Backlash
    OpenAI is under fire over recent controversies, including allegations of unethical data usage and governance issues. Critics are calling for greater transparency and accountability from the AI research lab.

    Apple Sues OpenAI
    Apple has filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, accusing the company of violating intellectual property rights and misusing proprietary technology. The legal battle highlights the growing tensions between Big Tech and AI developers.

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  • PS5 Slim Price Hike in India: Both Digital and Disc Editions Could Cost Rs. 5,000 More

    PS5 Slim Price Hike in India: Both Digital and Disc Editions Could Cost Rs. 5,000 More

    If you are planning to buy a PS5 Slim in India, you may want to act quickly. According to a recent report, Sony is expected to increase the price of both the Digital and Disc editions of the PS5 Slim in the country. While Sony has not officially confirmed the change, retailers have reportedly been informed about the revised pricing.

    The rumored hike would see the PS5 Slim Digital Edition jump from Rs. 44,990 to Rs. 49,990, and the Disc Edition rise from Rs. 54,990 to Rs. 59,990. That means buyers would need to spend an extra Rs. 5,000 regardless of which version they choose.

    Sony has raised PlayStation prices in several other markets before, so this move would not come as a complete surprise. The company has not disclosed the reason for the potential increase in India, but several factors could be at play.

    One likely cause is currency exchange rate fluctuations, which can make imported consoles more expensive. Import duties and rising shipping costs also add to the overall expense. Inflation is another factor—manufacturing and logistics costs for electronics have climbed steadily in recent years, often prompting companies to adjust prices.

    Additionally, Sony’s broader business strategy may be influencing the decision. The PS5 continues to sell well even years after its launch, and strong demand gives the company room to raise prices without significantly hurting sales. With no new PlayStation model expected in the near future, Sony may be aiming to maintain steady profits while demand remains robust.

    For Indian gamers, this rumored price increase could make an already costly console even more expensive. Stay tuned for official confirmation from Sony.

  • PlayStation Plus Price Hike Rumors: Is Sony’s Service Losing Its Value?

    PlayStation Plus Price Hike Rumors: Is Sony’s Service Losing Its Value?

    Sony may be planning another price increase for PlayStation Plus, sparking fresh debate among gamers about whether the subscription service still delivers enough value. The company is reportedly evaluating its subscription business as more players gravitate toward the Extra and Premium tiers, but the prospect of higher costs has many questioning their loyalty to Sony’s ecosystem.

    During a recent interview, Sony Interactive Entertainment President Hideaki Nishino, PlayStation Studios Head Herman Hulst, and SVP Finance Lynn Azar shared insights into the company’s strategy. They noted that higher-tier plans now account for 40% of subscribers, reflecting strong demand. “PS Plus remains a key driver of profitability, and we achieved record-high PS Plus profitability in FY2025,” one executive stated. However, just two months after the last price hike, Sony hints that further adjustments may be on the horizon.

    The potential price increase comes amid a series of controversial decisions by Sony. The company has raised PlayStation 5 prices in several markets and plans to eliminate physical discs for all first- and third-party games by 2028. This move toward an all-digital future has drawn sharp criticism from players and even French presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon, who tweeted, “Tomorrow, you will pay without ever owning anything. No loan, no resale, no guarantee of keeping what we’ve paid for.” Mélenchon vowed to protect players’ rights, stating, “Video games are not mere merchandise; they are cultural assets.”

    Many gamers share these concerns, fearing that a fully digital ecosystem gives them fewer choices and greater dependency on online stores. If PlayStation Plus becomes more expensive, some may explore alternatives like PC gaming, which often doesn’t require a paid subscription. Free-to-play titles such as Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, Marvel Rivals, and Genshin Impact continue to attract millions without demanding annual fees.

    Sony still holds a dominant position in the gaming industry, but each price increase raises the stakes. Ultimately, players will decide whether the service justifies its cost. For now, the question remains: is PlayStation Plus still worth it?

  • Amazon Offers Apple A16 iPad at $299 Despite Apple’s Recent Price Hike

    Amazon Offers Apple A16 iPad at $299 Despite Apple’s Recent Price Hike

    Apple has raised prices across its iPad lineup, but savvy shoppers can still snag the entry-level A16 iPad at its original price on Amazon. The e-commerce giant is offering the 11-inch model with the A16 chip for $299, while Apple’s official retail price is now higher following a recent adjustment. This creates a limited-time opportunity for consumers to save up to $100.

    According to reports, the 11-inch iPad features a Liquid Retina display, 128GB of storage, Wi-Fi 6, Touch ID, and the A16 chipset. It delivers strong performance for streaming, productivity, and gaming. The tablet also supports the Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard Folio with USB-C.

    Industry analysts believe Amazon may be selling inventory purchased before Apple’s price hike, allowing buyers to benefit from the older pricing until stock runs out. Once those units are gone, retailers will likely adopt Apple’s new pricing structure.