A PYMNTS Company

Apple Faces Russian Antitrust Investigation Tied to Domestic App Policy

By  |  August 3, 2026
Apple

Russia’s federal antitrust regulator has opened a case against Apple, alleging the company failed to comply with government requirements to preinstall certain Russian-developed applications on its devices, according to reporting by The Moscow Times and other media.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    According to The Moscow Times, which cited Russia’s Federal Anti-Monopoly Service (FAS) and state news agency RIA, the regulator said Monday it had initiated proceedings after Apple allegedly did not meet an earlier warning related to domestic software preinstallation requirements. Reuters separately reported that the case centers on Apple’s alleged failure to include Russia’s MAX messaging application and a Russian app store on devices sold in the country.

    The Moscow Times reported that the investigation follows Russian legislation and regulatory measures aimed at requiring consumer electronics sold in the country to include approved domestic software. Russian authorities have argued the policy is intended to support local technology companies and reduce reliance on foreign digital platforms.

    The FAS said Apple did not satisfy the regulator’s demands after receiving a prior warning, prompting the agency to launch formal antitrust proceedings, according to The Moscow Times. Reuters, citing RIA, reported that the watchdog is pursuing the case over Apple’s alleged noncompliance with the domestic app preinstallation rules.

    Read more: Apple Opens Early Settlement Discussions With DOJ

    Apple did not immediately comment on the case, according to The Moscow Times. Reuters also reported that the company had not immediately responded to requests for comment.

    The case is the latest in a series of regulatory actions by Russian authorities involving major foreign technology companies. Russia has previously brought antitrust actions against Apple over App Store practices and has expanded digital regulations that require the inclusion of domestically developed software on electronic devices sold in the country.

    If Russian regulators determine that Apple violated the country’s competition laws, the company could face penalties under Russian antitrust rules, according to The Moscow Times. The publication reported that the investigation remains in its early stages, and no final determination has been announced.

    Source: The Moscow Times