Overview
- Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service warned Apple on Wednesday that it could face roughly $51.6 million (4 billion roubles) if it does not pre-install the Max messenger and Russian search engines by July 15.
- Apple has not sold devices in Russia since March 2022, so most iPhones in the country come through the grey market and do not carry Russia-specific software controls.
- The App Store remains accessible on grey-market iPhones in Russia, and Apple has removed apps at Moscow's request before but has resisted mandates to add or bundle state software on devices.
- Apple has faced prior penalties in Russia, including a $12.12 million antitrust fine in February 2023 and a sanctions-related penalty on Apple Ireland in March 2026 that ended subscription payments for Apple Services in Russia.
- Moscow's demand follows a June 25 Kremlin complaint about the removal of VK apps and could lead to fines or a wider breakdown in cooperation if Apple declines to comply, with likely effects on Russian users' ability to access services and on future regulatory moves.