The US prices never include state sales tax IIRC. Maybe we're finally getting some parity.

You could always buy one at an apple store without sales tax (e.g. Portland Oregon). But they might not have that one in stock...

What's the bargain?

There is also "parity" in other products like a MacBook Pro from £1,599 / $1,599 or an iPhone 16 from £799 / $799. £9,699 / $9,499 is worse than that!

The bargain is the lower price in the UK compared to US, once US sales tax is added. It's not like the pound is strong. It's just cheaper in the UK. And you're right, all Apple products are better value in that UK. I'm not used to any electronics being good value in the UK.

> It's not like the pound is strong. It's just cheaper in the UK.

You know that £9,699 are over $12k, right?

Tariffs perhaps?