It was proposed in Russia to ban the sale of smartphones and tablets without RuStore
A bill was submitted to the State Duma that prohibits the sale of smartphones and tablets in Russia without access to RuStore, the Russian app store. Apple devices are primarily at risk.
The authors of the bill reminded that RuStore became mandatory for pre-installation in Russia in 2023, but it is impossible to comply with this requirement on Apple devices due to the peculiarities of iOS. The company does not allow alternative app stores on its devices in Russia and prohibits installing apps not from the App Store.
However, the authors of the bill note, in early 2024, Apple allowed alternative app stores for users in EU countries. The company was forced to do this due to the Digital Markets Act.
According to deputy Anton Gorelkin, the iOS version of RuStore is already ready. Technically, it could be launched on Apple devices the day after the law comes into force, but officials want to give Apple time to prepare.
It is assumed that if the bill is approved, the new rules will take effect on September 1, 2025.
