Russia Opens Antitrust Case Against Apple Over Refusal to Pre-Install State-Backed Apps

The Specific Regulatory Demands Apple Partially Failed to Meet

The FAS issued Apple a warning on July 1, 2026, with two main requirements that were not fully met:

• Pre-install the MAX messaging platform — the state-backed messenger — on all iPhones and iPads sold in Russia .
• Pre-install the RuStore app marketplace — Russia's domestic alternative to the App Store — on iOS devices .
• Remove discriminatory default-search-engine settings: FAS alleged Apple's default use of a non-Russian search engine forces users to manually switch to Russian alternatives like Yandex, creating "discriminatory conditions for domestic developers" .
• Comply with Russia's broader 2021 "software pre-installation" law, which already mandates that all smartphones and tablets sold in Russia must come with a defined list of Russian-made software .

According to FAS, Apple partially complied by allowing a Russian search engine to be pre-installed, but failed on the MAX messenger and RuStore requirements .

Timeline of the Case

Potential Penalty: Up to 4 Billion Rubles (~$52 Million)

Under Article 14.31 of Russia's Code of Administrative Offenses (part of the Competition Protection Law), FAS can fine a dominant company up to 4 billion rubles for abusing its market position. At current exchange rates, that is approximately $51.6–$52 million . The case is ongoing, and the actual fine amount will be determined during the proceedings.

Broader Context: Global Scrutiny of Apple's Platform Practices

This case is part of a wider global pattern of regulators challenging Apple's closed ecosystem and restrictive app policies:

• European Union: The Digital Markets Act (DMA) forced Apple to allow alternative app stores (e.g., through the EU's third-party app marketplace requirement in 2024) and sideloading, with investigations still ongoing into Apple's compliance .
• United States: The DOJ filed a landmark antitrust lawsuit against Apple in March 2024 alleging smartphone monopoly maintenance, with the case continuing through 2025–2026 .
• Japan: Japan's Fair Trade Commission has investigated Apple's App Store policies and restrictions on third-party payment systems .
• United Kingdom: The UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has investigated Apple's mobile ecosystem, including cloud gaming restrictions and browser engine limitations .

The FAS case represents Russia's most aggressive escalation yet against Apple's platform control, using domestic software pre-installation mandates as the lever — a regulatory approach distinct from the DMA but with similar practical goals of opening iOS to competing apps and search engines.