Having reported the requirements of a new Russian law to security threat and threatening to leave the country, Apple relented and decided to let Russia go its own way, saying it would allow users to install government-approved Russian apps during iPhone setup. In the last days, wat home I had a first glimpse of what it looks like.
Seen by MacRumorsRussian users have begun to see a list of suggestions for Russian apps when setting up a new iPhone. The change was seen the same week in Russian law of 2019 came into force. The Law requires smart devices, such as smartphones, computers, tablets, and smart TVs, purchased in Russia to pre-install with government-approved Russian apps. Twitter user @KhaosT picked up a message screen recording of the new iPhone configuration, which seems pretty normal until you reach the special App Store pop-up window.
“In compliance with Russian legal requirements, continue to view the applications available for download,” says the pop-up window.
A few seconds later, another screen titled “From the Russian App Store” appeared. appears with applications such as Yandex browser, Yandex.Maps, Yandex.Desk, Mail.ru, ICQ messenger and VK social network, among others. Users can click the “Get” button to install them. As he points out MacRumors, thanks to the informant agreement between the Russian government and Apple, installing applications is optional and they are not preinstalled on your device.
Apple said Reuters this week that, while intended to comply with the new law, all applications are reviewed to ensure they meet the company’s privacy, security and content standards.
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He the law was originally passed in 2019, although its implementation was delayed until April of this year. In accordance with Reuters, Apple “dragged its feet” before finally agreeing last month to offer a way for users to install government-approved apps during iPhone setup.
MacRumors reported that Apple would begin offering suggestions for Russian apps on April 1st. In addition, Apple said at the outset that it could add a new section to the App Store that aims to promote Russian apps. However, this does not mean that iPhone users in Russian can do it not more install Russian applications; they can still install applications from manufacturers in other countries.
Gizmodo contacted Apple for comment, but received no response prior to the time of publication. We will make sure to update this blog if we receive news.
Russian lawmakers have argued that the law allows the country’s technology companies to be more competitive and also gives them to the Russians. “Right to choose” domestic alternatives. This may not seem so alarming at first, but if you take into account that of Russia effort of many years to have tighter control over the internet, of course it still is another initiative to give the government control about the online activities of its citizens.
It’s not the first time Apple has decided to give in demands of the Russian government and will probably not be the last. In recent years, yes he stopped offering his gay pride watch face for the Apple Watch in Russia and also included Crimea as a part of Russia in the Apple Maps app in the country. This is not a policy that applies only to Russia. Apple has done the same has removed all major VPN applications from the App Store in China to comply with Chinese law.