Russia is putting pressure on Apple with a proposed $52M fine for discriminating against state-backed apps and not having them installed on every iPhone.
On June 25, the Kremlin demanded answers as to why Russian applications made by VK were removed from the App Store. Apple was accused of removing VK apps and services without "warning or explanation," and Russia threatened to withdraw its cooperation with Apple entirely over the issue.
Now, the country has taken even stricter measures, issuing a warning to Apple, saying the company could face an almost $52 million fine for discriminating against Russian software. Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service said Apple devices will need to have the Max messenger and Russian search engines pre-installed.
As noted by Reuters, unless Apple complies with the demands of Russian authorities by July 15, it will face a fine equating to roughly $51.6 million. Even with the threat, though, it's unlikely Apple will ever include Max or Russian search engines as pre-installed software on iPhones and iPads sold in the country.
Apple hasn't sold its products in Russia since March 2022, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. There are no Authorized Apple Resellers in the country, either.
Consequently, every iPhone and iPad sold in Russia makes its way into the country through the grey market. Hardware aside, the App Store remains available on iOS devices in Russia, and Apple has occasionally complied with app-related requests from Russian authorities.
Apple has removed 'undesirable' apps in Russia, but it won't pre-install state software
In July 2024, Apple removed VPN apps from the App Store in Russia. In October 2024 and November 2024, the company similarly removed independent media apps that contained content labeled "undesirable" by Russian authorities.
In February 2023, Apple also paid a $12.12 million antitrust fine for forcing iOS users to rely on its in-app purchase system. After Apple Ireland was fined for breaking sanctions against Russia in March 2026, however, subscriptions and payments for Apple Services are no longer available in Russia.
Despite Apple's periodic willingness to appease Russian authorities, the two continue to have a strained relationship. In September 2023, Apple warned Russian journalists of state-sponsored spyware, while Russian authorities claimed Apple was helping the United States spy on iPhone users.
Overall, Apple's only attempts at complying with demands from Russia involve removing apps from the App Store. Beyond that, there's little the company is seemingly willing to do.
At best, App Store users in Russia might see the return of VK apps. It's unlikely Apple will develop a region-specific product configuration for Russia, as it does not sell its devices in the country. That ultimately means the state-backed Max app will probably never be preinstalled on iPhones in Russia.
