After reportedly the requirements of a new Russian law one threat to security and threaten to leave the country, Apple gave in and decided to give Russia its way, saying it would allow users to install government-approved Russian apps while installing the iPhone. In recent days, wHouse got a first glimpse of what that looks like.
Spotted by MacRumorsRussian users start to see a list of Russian app suggestions when setting up a new iPhone. The change is the same week one 2019 Russian law entered into force. The law requires smart devices such as smartphones, computers, tablets, and smart TVs, bought in Russia and pre-installed with government-approved Russian apps. Twitter user @KhaosT took a screen recording of the new iPhone setup, which looks pretty normal until you get to the special App Store popup.
“In accordance with Russian legal requirements, keep checking available apps for download,” the pop-up reads.
A few seconds later, another screen will appear titled ‘From the App Store Russian Apps’, appears with apps such as the Yandex Browser, Yandex.Maps, Yandex.Desk, Mail.ru, ICQ messenger and the UK social network, among others. Users can click the “Get” button to install them. As noted by MacRumors, thanks reported deal between the Russian government and Apple, installing the apps is optional and they are not preinstalled on the device.
Apple told Reuters This week, while the intention was to comply with the new law, all apps are reviewed to ensure they meet the company’s standards for privacy, security, and content.
G / O Media can receive a commission
The law was originally passed in 2019, although its implementation was delayed until April this year. According to Reuters, Apple “dragged its feet” before finally agreeing last month to provide users with a way to install the government-approved apps while setting up the iPhone.
MacRumors reported that Apple was going to give Russian app suggestions on April 1Additionally, Apple told the outlet that it may add a new section to the App Store that aims to promote Russian apps. However, this does not mean that iPhone users in Russian can nothing but install Russian apps; they can still install apps made by developers in other countries.
Gizmodo reached out to Apple for comment, but received no response before the time of publication. We will make sure to update this blog if we hear anything.
Russian lawmakers have argued that the law allows the country’s technology companies to become more competitive and Russians also have a “Right to Choose” domestic alternatives. This may not sound alarming at first, but if you look at Russia years of effort that is clear to get a better grip on the internet it is not yet another initiative to give government control about the online activities of its citizens.
This isn’t the first time Apple has decided to give in to it demands of the Russian government, and are unlikely to be the last. In recent years it has been stopped offering his gay pride watch face for the Apple Watch in Russia and also included Crimea as part of Russia in the country’s Apple Maps app. This policy does not only apply to Russia. Apple also has deleted all major VPN apps from the App Store in China to comply with Chinese law.