Singapore is among seven countries facing an immediate hike in the prices of apps from Apple.

The apps will also cost more in Canada, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia and South Africa, with the move being blamed on fluctuations in exchange rates, reports The Next Web.

Instead of $1.28, the cheapest app will now cost $1.48, according to an online document from Apple detailing the price changes.

In-app subscribers, particularly in Singapore, are to receive an email from Apple to explain the price changes. Developers have already been advised. The auto-renewal of subscriptions will not be interrupted, but users will be given the option to turn off this service.

Apple has previously jacked up app prices because of large fluctuations in currencies.

Earlier this month, Apple said its App Store sales were a record US$20 billion last year. Apple keeps 30c of every dollar from these sales, the balance going to the developers.