TOKYO, July 1 Reuters Apple Inc has hiked by nearly a fifth the cost of its flagship iPhone phone in Japan, which is battling a weakening yen currency and rising inflation.

The Cupertino, Californiabased manufacturer39;s entry level iPhone 13 now costs 117,800 yen 870, Apple39;s website showed, compared to 99,800 yen previously.

With the dollar up 18 against the yen yeartodate, the higher cost of the iPhone, which dominates Japan39;s smartphone market, comes as consumers39; wallets are being squeezed by price hikes for daily necessities.

Such widespread hikes are a change for most Japanese following years of stable prices for many products.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

1135.6900 yen

Reporting by Sam Nussey; Editing by Clarence Fernandez

Source Reuters