Apple Slapped with $50M Fine for Missing Apps on Black Market iPhones

Apple is facing increased pressure from Russia to pre-install select government-backed apps on its devices, even though the tech giant hasn’t officially sold an iPhone in Russia for over four years!

The latest move by the Kremlin is an antitrust case that could potentially cost Apple close to $50 million for its refusal to pre-install government-backed apps on its devices.

Russia has initiated an investigation into Apple’s decision not to preload state-backed apps onto devices sold within the country. Apple has specifically declined to install Max, a state-backed messaging service, and RuStore, a domestic app store.

The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) in Russia stated, “The company did not comply with the FAS warning to preinstall the national messaging app and the national app store on its iOS devices (iPhone, iPad).” This led to the FAS opening a case against Apple in accordance with competition law.

In 2019, the Kremlin threatened to ban devices from all manufacturers that failed to pre-install government-designated apps, including Apple. Recently, Kremlin officials questioned Apple’s removal of apps published by Russian internet and technology company VK from the App Store without explanation.

Russian authorities have warned Apple of strict measures, including a potential fine of nearly 4 billion rubles, for not pre-installing Russian software. The deadline for compliance was set for July 15, despite the fact that Apple does not officially sell devices in Russia.

Despite past compliance with Kremlin demands, Apple’s relationship with the Russian government has been strained. Apple had previously labeled Crimea as part of Russia in Apple Maps for Russian iPhone users, but later reversed the decision after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

While past conflicts between Apple and the Kremlin have often involved the removal of apps, the current dispute revolves around the refusal to install government-backed apps on Apple devices.

In December 2025, Russian authorities blocked Apple’s FaceTime service, citing concerns about criminal activity. Similar restrictions had been imposed on YouTube, WhatsApp, and Telegram. These actions coincided with the launch of the Russian government’s own messaging app, Max.