Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Russians demand for the iPhone 16 remains high despite being banned by the Government. According to a report by Russian business daily Vedomosti, as cited from Reuters on Tuesday, October 22, the iPhone purchases surged fourfold between January and September 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
The jump in purchases comes despite an ongoing ban on the use of iPhones and other Apple products by Russian government employees. The ban, introduced by Moscow and the Federal Security Service (FSB) in 2023, was intended to prevent potential U.S. espionage. However, the surge in sales suggests the restrictions are not being fully enforced.
Even with the ban in place, demand for Apple products, particularly the newly released iPhone 16, has remained robust. Early pre-order numbers for the iPhone 16 have risen by 15% compared to the previous generation, indicating strong consumer interest in Russia. This also comes despite the fact that the base model iPhone 16 costs around $1,225 in Russia, significantly higher than its $799 price in the U.S.
According to the Russian business daily Vedomosti, government-related purchases of iPhones between January and September 2024 have surged fourfold compared to the same period last year. While these figures have not been confirmed, the report indicates that government agencies have spent around $71,470 on iPhones so far in 2024, up from just $17,670 during the same months in 2023.
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This increase suggests that officials aren’t staging a mass rebellion against the ban, but it does raise questions about how strictly the rules are being enforced. The FSB’s claims of U.S. wiretapping also appear less convincing in light of the steady flow of iPhone purchases.
This situation highlights the mixed signals surrounding the ban, especially since the restrictions were introduced shortly after Apple suspended its direct operations in Russia following the invasion of Ukraine. Despite this, Russian officials seem to be finding ways to access Apple products, suggesting that the ban may not be fully effective.
Despite being banned, the continued demand for iPhones, particularly the newly iPhone 16 underscores the tension between the practical needs of government officials and the political posturing that has characterized Russia’s stance on Western technology. While the Russian Government remains wary of U.S. tech giants, the allure of Apple devices appears to be too strong for some officials to resist.
(Raidi/Agung)
