After allegedly mentioning the requirements of a new Russian law a security threat and threatens to leave the country, Apple conceded and decided to make sense of Russia, saying it would allow users to install government-approved Russian apps during the iPhone setup. In recent days, wI have got a first look at what it looks like.
Marked by MacRumors, Russian users started seeing a list of Russian app suggestions when setting up a new iPhone. The change was noticed the same week 2019 Russian legislation came into force. The law need smart devices, for example smartphones, computers, tablets, and smart TVs, purchased in Russia to be pre-installed with government-approved Russian programs. Twitter user @KhaosT has a screenshot of the new iPhone setting, which looks pretty normal until you reach the special pop-up App Store.
“Continue to view the available programs to download in accordance with Russian legal requirements,” the pop-up reads.
A few seconds later, another screen titled “From the App Store Russian apps” appear including applications such as the Yandex Browser, Yandex.Maps, Yandex.Desk, Mail.ru, ICQ messenger and the UK social network. Users can click the “Get” button to install it. As noted by MacRumors, thanks for reporting agreement between the Russian government and Apple, the installation of the applications is optional and it is not pre-installed on the device.
Apple tells Reuters this week, although it intended to comply with the new law, all applications are being reviewed to ensure that it complies with the company’s standards for privacy, security and content.
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The legislation was originally adopted in 2019, although its implementation has been delayed until April this year. According to Reuters, Apple ‘dragged its feet’ before finally agreeing last month to offer users a way to install government-approved apps during iPhone settings.
MacRumors reported that Apple will start delivering Russian app suggestions on April 1. In addition, Apple told the outlet that it could add a new section to the App Store aimed at promoting Russian apps. However, this does not mean that iPhone users in Russia can do so only install Russian programs; they can still install programs made by developers in other countries.
Gizmodo asked Apple for comment, but did not receive a response before the time of publication. We’ll make sure you update this blog when we hear it.
Russian lawmakers have argued that the law allows the country’s technology enterprises to become more competitive and also gives it to Russians “Right to choose” household alternatives. It may not sound like much of a concern at first, but if you consider Russia’s years of effort to gain better control over the internet, it is clear that it’s still another initiative to give government control about the citizens’ online activities.
This is not the first time Apple has decided to concede demands of the Russian government, and will probably not be the last. In recent years it has stopped offering his watch for gay pride for the Apple Watch in Russia and also the Crimea included as part of Russia in the country’s Apple Maps app. This is not a policy that applies only to Russia. Apple also has remove all major VPN applications from the App Store in China to comply with Chinese law.