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Apple in Russia’s crosshairs again, facing $52M fine for not installing state-required apps

Russia is putting pressure on Apple with a proposed $52M fine for discriminating against state-backed apps and not having them installed on every iPhone.

Night view of the Kremlin complex with illuminated towers and domes reflecting on the river, dark blue sky above and a bridge crossing the water in the foreground
Russia has threatened Apple with a nearly $52M fine.

On June 25, the Kremlin demanded answers as to why Russian applications made by VK were removed from the App Store. Apple was accused of removing VK apps and services without “warning or explanation,” and Russia threatened to withdraw its cooperation with Apple entirely over the issue.

Now, the country has taken even stricter measures, issuing a warning to Apple, saying the company could face an almost $52 million fine for discriminating against Russian software. Russia’s Federal Antimonopoly Service said Apple devices will need to have the Max messenger and Russian search engines pre-installed.

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