● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportMedium impact1 neutral
Russia opens antitrust case against Apple over failure to preinstall state-backed apps
Key points
- Russia's antitrust regulator opened a formal case against Apple.
- Apple failed to preinstall MAX messenger and RuStore app marketplace.
- Russian law requires preinstallation of domestic apps since 2019.
- Apple partially complied with a previous warning by July 15 deadline.
Antitrust Proceedings Initiated
Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has opened a formal antitrust case against Apple. This action follows Apple's non-compliance with a warning to preinstall specific Russian-developed applications on its devices sold within the country.
Background of the Dispute
Since 2019, Russian law has required device manufacturers to offer domestic apps on products sold in Russia. In 2021, Apple implemented an arrangement where users setting up new iPhones in Russia were shown a list of recommended Russian apps, rather than automatic installation. Last year, Russia mandated the preinstallation of the state-backed MAX messenger and extended the RuStore app marketplace requirement to Apple devices, which Apple did not fulfill.
Escalation of Tensions
Tensions increased in June when Apple removed MAX and other VK-developed apps from the Russian App Store, citing sanctions compliance. This prompted the FAS to issue an order for Apple to address discriminatory treatment of domestic software by July 15. Apple partially complied by allowing a Russian search engine to be preinstalled on iOS 26.6 but did not implement the MAX and RuStore requirements, leading to the current antitrust case.
Potential Consequences
The specific penalties Apple could face if found in violation of Russia's competition laws are currently unclear. This development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by international technology companies operating under varying national regulations and geopolitical pressures.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
Russia's antitrust regulator has initiated a formal case against Apple for not preinstalling the state-backed MAX messenger and RuStore app marketplace on its devices, as mandated by Russian law. This action escalates an ongoing dispute regarding app preinstallation requirements for devices sold in Russia.