Why Apple iPhones May Be Banned From Russia Next Year

The Russian government has recently passed a bill which bars selling smartphones without Russian apps pre-installed in it. New smartphones and other technology devices sold in the country would be required to have Russian apps pre-installed. As such, the new legislation could hinder Apple’s sales.

According to BBC, the Russian government has passed a bill which requires all smartphones, computers, televisions, gadgets and other smart devices to have Russian apps. These apps would be prescribed by the Russian government to promote the country’s own technology.

The Association of Trading Companies and Manufacturers of Electrical Household and Computer Entertainment (RATEK) of Russia confirmed that incompatible devices with Russian apps will be taken off the country’s market. Apple iPhones are currently in danger if this is the case.

Apple is known for its tight smartphone security and heavy screening of apps before it shows up on the App Store. Potentially, Russia’s state-prescribed apps may bypass Apple and even other smartphone maker’s inspections to be sold in the country.

Without going through inspection, the smartphones could have security breaches if Russia’s required apps contain or could be the gateway for spyware and other malicious viruses to enter the smartphones. Apple has yet to announce any moves it’ll take for its customers in the region.

The bill will be in full effect by July 2020, which leaves Apple a lot of time to accommodate the Russian apps and check these out. If this ruling is not noticed, Apple may lose access to the Russian market if the apps are not compatible to the iOS.

In the other news, Apple may share a similar banned status with Chinese smartphone giant Huawei if this keeps up. Currently, the U.S. government has voted for banning companies included in its Entity List. Companies in the list are considered to be security risks to the country and will be banned from doing business with companies in the country.

Russia’s potential ban to Apple could be lighter as the iPhones only need to be compatible to the state apps to work. We’ll have to wait on Apple if it’ll provide a solution for its iOS.