Because of Apple’s standardised after sales services and warranty coverage. Samsung refused to fix my ZFlip’s faulty battery, I was told that my Southeast Asia warranty was not recognised in Europe. Mind you my device was less than a year old at that point. As an international student in the UK with finals coming up, the unnecessary stress was not appreciated. I went online and ordered my first ever iPhone. If it’s not for me? Return it within 15 days. Broken? Mail it to Apple or walk into an AppleStore with a Genius appointment. Moving back to my home country? AppleCare is recognised internationally. The AppleTax is worth it if it meant less stress and one less thing to worry about when I’m alone in a foreign country as a student
M3 MBP 8core, 8gb/512gb retails for RM7499 (USD 1612). It may be cheaper for now, but we’ll be rolling out a new ‘luxury goods tax’ sometime next year. They’ve yet to announce but we’ve been told it’ll be between 5-10%