Apple to comply with Russia’s laws requiring preinstalled software on iPhone, Mac

Apple is ready to follow local laws in Russia from April 1, 2021, and will roll out its iPhones and other devices with mandatory apps.

Back in November 2019, Russia’s lower house of parliament passed laws according to which it’s required by electronic manufacturers to release their devices with preinstalled government-approved apps.

According to the Ministry of Digital Industry, an agreement was signed with Apple to include some mandatory apps when a new Apple device is rolled out in the country.

According to the agreement, iPhones and iPads activated from April 1 in the country will present a new screen to users, offering a selection of apps produced by Russian developers. Users would be entitled to select which apps they will allow or refuse to be installed as part of the set-up process.

Apple said that all of those apps will be checked for compliance with the company’s privacy, security, and content standards.

The Ministry is currently in discussion with Apple deciding which apps need to be included in the list.

If alternative offers that are interesting to users and are rapidly gaining popularity appear on the market, they will be included in this selection and will also be offered for preinstallation,

The list will include various popular apps within the App Store, but specifically Russian-developed versions of major app categories. It’s further said that the list would include browsers, antivirus, maps, messaging tools, a state services app, one for the Mir Pay payment system, and others.

The pre-approved apps by the government include items from Yandex, Mail.ru Group, Kaspersky, Rostelecom, and Channel 1.

Apple is committed to following policies set by the local government, where required.