After it is said that he demanded the requirements of a new Russian law a security threat and threatening to leave the country, Apple has given in and decided to let Russia go, saying it will allow users to install government-approved Russian apps while setting up the iPhone. In the last days, wThe home I got a first look at what it looks like.
Seen by MacRumorsRussian users have started to see a list of Russian application suggestions when setting up a new iPhone. The change was observed in the same week a Russian law of 2019 came by force. the law requires smart devices, e.g. smartphones, computers, tablets, and smart TVs, purchased in Russia to be pre-installed with Russian government-approved applications. Twitter user @KhaosT took a screen recording of the new iPhone configuration, which seems pretty normal until you reach the special popup window in the App Store.
“In accordance with Russian legal requirements, continue to view the applications available for download,” reads the pop-up window.
A few seconds later, another screen titled “From the App Store Russian apps” appear with applications such as Yandex Browser, Yandex.Maps, Yandex.Desk, Mail.ru, ICQ messenger and VK social network, among others. Users can click the “Get” button to install them. As mentioned by MacRumors, thanks reported business between the Russian government and Apple, application installation is optional and is not preinstalled on the device.
Apple said Reuters this week that, although intended to comply with the new law, all applications are being reviewed to ensure it meets the company’s standards for privacy, security and content.
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the law was initially adopted in 2019, although its implementation has been postponed until April of this year. Conformable Reuters, Apple “dragged its feet” before finally agreeing last month to give users a way to install government-approved apps during iPhone setups.
MacRumors reported that Apple would start offering suggestions for Russian applications from April 1. In addition, Apple told the press that it could add a new section in the App Store that aims to promote Russian applications. However, this does not mean that iPhone users in Russian can no more install Russian applications; can still install applications from developers in other countries.
Gizmodo contacted Apple for comments, but did not receive a response before publication. We will make sure we update this blog if we hear.
Russian lawmakers have argued that the law allows the country’s technology companies to become more competitive and also offers Russians a “The right to choose” internal alternatives. This may not sound so alarming at first, but when you consider Russia effort for years to get a tighter on the internet, it is clear that is still another initiative to give the government control on the online activities of its citizens.
It’s not the first time Apple has decided to give up calls on the Russian government and will probably not be the last. In recent years, she he stopped offering his gay pride watch face for the Apple Watch in Russia and also included Crimea as part of Russia in the Apple Maps app in the country. This is not a policy that applies only to Russia. Apple also has removed all major VPN applications from the Chinese App Store to comply with Chinese law.