After allegedly calling the requirements of a new Russian law of security threat and threatening to leave the country, Apple relented and decided to let Russia go its way, saying it would allow users to install government-approved Russian apps while setting up the iPhone. In the past few days, wEve had a first glimpse of what that looks like.
Sighted by MacRumorsRussian users began to see a list of suggested Russian applications when setting up a new iPhone. The change was detected in the same week in Russian law 2019 came into force. The law requires smart devices, for example, smartphones, computers, tablets, and smart TVs, purchased in Russia that come pre-installed with government-approved Russian apps. Twitter user @KhaosT made a screen recording of the new iPhone configuration, which looks quite normal until you get to the special App Store pop-up.
“In accordance with Russian legal requirements, continue to see the applications available for download,” says the pop-up.
A few seconds later, another screen titled “From the Russian apps on the App Store”, looks with applications such as Yandex Browser, Yandex.Maps, Yandex.Desk, Mail.ru, ICQ messenger and the social network VK, among others. Users can click on the “Get” button to install them. As noted by MacRumors, thanks to the reported to deal between the Russian government and Apple, installing applications is optional and they are not pre-installed on the device.
Apple said Reuters this week that, while intending to comply with the new law, all apps are reviewed to ensure they meet the company’s privacy, security and content standards.
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O The law was originally passed in 2019, although its implementation was postponed until April this year. According to Reuters, Apple “dragged its foot” before finally agreeing last month to offer a way for users to install government-approved applications during iPhone settings.
MacRumors reported that Apple would start providing suggestions for Russian apps on April 1. In addition, Apple told the outlet that it could add a new section to the App Store in order to promote Russian apps. However, this does not mean that iPhone users in Russian can only install Russian apps; they can still install apps made by developers in other countries.
Gizmodo contacted Apple for comment, but did not receive a response before the time of publication. We will make sure to update this blog if we receive a response.
Russian lawmakers have argued that the law allows the country’s technology companies to become more competitive and also gives Russians a “Right to choose” domestic alternatives. This may not sound so alarming at first, but when you consider the years-long effort to have a tighter control of the internet, it is clear that is still another initiative to give the government control about their citizens’ online activities.
This is not the first time that Apple has decided to demands of the Russian government, and probably will not be the last. In the last years, stopped offering your gay pride watch for the Apple Watch in Russia and also included Crimea as part of russia in the country’s Apple Maps app. This is not a policy that applies only to Russia. Apple also removed all major VPN applications from the App Store in China to comply with Chinese legislation.