Russian Government's iPhone Purchases Surge

MOSCOW (Reuters) – The Russian government's purchases of iPhones from January to September 2023 were four times higher compared to the same period last year, according to the Vedomosti daily. This increase occurred despite certain officials being banned from using Apple devices.

In June 2023, the Federal Security Service (FSB) stated it had uncovered an American espionage operation affecting thousands of iPhones due to sophisticated surveillance software, a claim Apple denied.

The Kommersant newspaper reported that the Kremlin had instructed officials involved in preparations for Russia's 2024 presidential election to refrain from using iPhones due to concerns over vulnerabilities to Western intelligence agencies.

Vedomosti, citing an unnamed representative from the Tenderplan trading platform, reported that the total value of contracts involving iPhones for the first three quarters of this year was 6.9 million roubles (approximately $71,469), a substantial increase from 1.6 million roubles the previous year.

Reuters was unable to independently verify this data, but it is worth noting that last year, Russia’s digital ministry prohibited employees from using iPhones and iPads for work-related communications. The ministry has not responded to requests for comments on the latest data.

Despite Apple halting exports to Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the latest iPhone 16 is currently in high demand across the country. Russians continue to acquire Apple's devices through grey or parallel imports, which the country legalized to bypass brand owner permissions, demonstrating a strong desire for Apple's products despite rising prices.

($1 = 96.5455 roubles)