Apple, in an unprecedented move, will offer an option to install apps from Russian developers on the devices it sells in the country.
Beginning on April 1, when Russian users buy a new iPhone, iPad, or Mac, they will be prompted at the time of the settlement with the option to go to a new page in the App Store to download Russian software , Apple said Tuesday. The emerging claims are recommended by the Russian government, but Apple will only show apps that meet the company’s App Store review guidelines.
California-based technology giant Cupertino said it is making the change to comply with local regulations. A new consumer protection law will take effect next month in Russia requiring the pre-installation of Russian software. The law was signed in 2019 in part to help local developers compete better.
This is the first time that Apple will enable users to install external software on its devices at setup. In previous updates to its mobile operating system, Apple has added country-specific features such as additional map views in China, but has avoided other common app presets such as those from hackers. wireless behavior on Android devices.
The installation of Russian software on local devices is optional, but in recent years the government has reduced the ability for citizens to communicate privately on their devices. Russian authorities have banned the Telegram private messaging app in recent years and the government is accused of spying on citizens. Apple said it uses strong encryption and does not store user passcodes.
In 2019, Apple was criticized for an update of its Maps app in Russia that featured Crimea as part of Russia rather than Ukraine. That came after months of Russian government pressure on mapping services operators to shift Crimea’s designation.
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