Apple in Russia faces a multi-billion dollar fine: time is up
Today, July 18, the ultimatum given by the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) to the American giant expires. If Apple does not comply with the requirements of Russian legislation, the company risks facing an antitrust case and a fine of up to 4 billion rubles.
What is the essence of the claims?
The FAS is demanding that Apple remove artificial restrictions on Russian services and apps on the iPhone. In particular:
- Ensure full pre-installation of domestic software;
- Remove barriers to the operation of Russian payment systems and apps;
- Provide equal opportunities for Russian developers.
According to the regulator, such restrictions violate antitrust legislation and create unequal conditions for competition in the Russian market.
What happens next?
If Apple ignores the demands, the FAS may initiate a full antitrust case. In that case, the company faces a turnover-based fine—up to 4 billion rubles—as well as possible additional restrictions on its operations in Russia.
This is not the first serious conflict between Apple and the Russian authorities. Previously, the company has already faced demands regarding the pre-installation of Russian software and data localization.
Market reaction
Experts note that Apple is currently in a difficult situation. On the one hand, there is the company's principled stance on the global App Store policy. On the other, there is the huge Russian market, which remains important despite all the difficulties of recent years.
So far, no official comment has been received from Apple.
