Russia Opens Antitrust Case Against Apple Over Domestic App Pre-Installation Rules

Competition Watchdog Alleges Tech Giant Failed to Comply With Requirements on Russian Apps                                                     

                                       

Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) has opened a formal antitrust case against Apple, accusing the U.S. technology company of failing to comply with government requirements regarding the pre-installation of Russian digital services on its devices.

The latest action marks a further escalation in the long-running dispute between Moscow and Apple over the country's digital sovereignty policies and the promotion of state-backed technology platforms.

Alleged Failure to Comply

According to Russia's competition regulator, Apple did not fully comply with an earlier warning requiring the company to facilitate the installation of Russia's MAX messaging application and the RuStore app marketplace on Apple devices sold in the country.

Following Apple's alleged failure to meet those requirements within the specified deadline, the FAS has now initiated formal legal proceedings that could result in financial penalties if violations are confirmed.

Push for Domestic Digital Services

The case forms part of Russia's broader strategy to strengthen the use of domestically developed digital platforms as relations with Western technology companies remain strained.

The Russian government has increasingly promoted MAX, a state-backed messaging application, alongside RuStore, a locally developed app marketplace created as an alternative to foreign digital distribution platforms.

Authorities argue that expanding the availability of domestic applications enhances digital resilience and national security.

Apple Faces Continued Regulatory Pressure

The latest investigation follows previous warnings issued by Russian regulators, who last month indicated that Apple could face substantial fines over alleged discrimination against local applications if compliance issues were not addressed.

Apple has not publicly responded to the opening of the new antitrust case.

Long-Running Dispute

Apple has faced increasing regulatory pressure in Russia over the past several years as the government introduced legislation requiring certain locally developed applications to be available on consumer devices.

The rules were introduced as part of broader efforts to reduce reliance on foreign digital ecosystems and encourage greater adoption of Russian software services.

Possible Consequences

If the Federal Antimonopoly Service concludes that Apple violated Russian competition laws, the company could face financial penalties and additional regulatory requirements regarding the distribution of domestic applications.

The case also reflects the increasingly complex regulatory environment facing global technology companies operating in markets where governments are seeking greater control over digital infrastructure and software ecosystems.