Overview
- The FAS formally opened the investigation on Monday, Aug. 3, saying Apple failed to follow a warning to preinstall the state-backed Max messenger and the RuStore app marketplace on iPhones and iPads in Russia.
- If the regulator finds Apple guilty it could impose a fine of up to 4 billion rubles, roughly $49.8 million, according to the case details reported by Russian agencies.
- The FAS framed the move as enforcement of domestic competition law after Apple did not implement steps ordered by regulators, following previous warnings from Moscow about mandatory app preinstallation.
- Practical enforcement is complicated because Apple stopped direct sales in Russia in March 2022 and Apple Services have been restricted there since a March 2026 fine against Apple Ireland limited subscriptions and payments.
- The case continues a long Russian push to boost domestic digital platforms and follows earlier episodes in which Apple partly complied with demands, removed some apps, and paid prior fines for other violations.