Apple Raises iPhone Prices in Germany over New Content Levy

Apple has raised the prices for handheld devices in Germany following a deal between the tech industry and content producers that will benefit musicians, actors and pornographic filmmakers.

The California-based company confirmed in a statement Sunday to The Associated Press that the price increase affecting iPhones and iPads is linked to the new copyright levy.

Apple, Samsung and others agreed last month to pay 5-7 euros ($5.50-$7.70) for each smartphone or tablet imported to Germany.

The money will be distributed among creative professionals, including a group representing "creators, producers and acting artists of erotic and pornographic films."

The agreement is based on a 1965 German law that allows consumers to make private copies of sound, images or texts in return for a small levy on the device.