Russian Government iPhone Purchases Surge Despite Official Ban

Sales of iPhones to Russian officials have quadrupled, defying a ban linked to security concerns over alleged U.S. espionage.

Russian government iPhone purchases from January to September 2024 were four times higher than the same period in 2023.
The increase in iPhone purchases occurs despite a ban imposed in 2023 due to security concerns about U.S. intelligence operations.
The ban was issued after the FSB claimed thousands of iPhones were compromised by American surveillance software, a claim Apple denies.
Government departments were directed to switch to alternative phone systems, but some contracts continued due to compliance challenges.
Despite halted Apple exports to Russia, iPhones remain in high demand, facilitated by legalized grey imports.