Get ready to pay more for apps on Windows Store from next month

Microsoft will update the price tier values for Windows Store during the week of April 13, 2015. Windows Store supports 96 tiers that publishers can use to price paid apps and in-app products. These price tier values are updated periodically to maintain consistency across currencies, accounting for changes in foreign exchange rates, taxes, and other geographic pricing considerations. The information comes through an email Microsoft has sent out to developers, alerting them of the change.

Beginning April 13, the price tier values will be updated and while the US Dollar (USD) price in each tier will remain the same, the prices in all other currencies adjusted relative to the USD price.

For example, if the price for a paid app published in the United States is USD 2.99, the equivalent product price in China is 18 CNY at the moment. After the update next month, while the product price in US will stay the same at USD 2.99, the equivalent price would change to CNY 18.50.

The currencies with the most substantial price changes (20% or more due to foreign exchange rates) include:

  • Ukraine UAH
  • Denmark DKK
  • Norway NOK
  • Venezuela VEF
  • Russia RUB
  • Poland PLN
  • Sweden SEK
  • Colombia COP
  • Argentina ARS
  • Chile CLP
  • Hungary HUF
  • Indonesia IDR
  • Romania RON
  • United Kingdom GBP
  • Czech Republic CZK
  • Mexico MXN

If you are a developer, these price tier value changes will take place automatically, and there would be no action required on your part. Of course, I recommend you review the updated prices for your paid apps and in-app products in Dev Center.

Source: Microsoft Dev Center (Email)

Abhishek Baxi