Apple stops product sales in Russia, removes RT and Sputnik from App Store

You can't buy an iPhone from Apple in Russia right now.
By Matt Binder  on 
A bearded man uses an IPhone with Moscow's Red Square in the background
Credit: Getty Images / GaudiLab

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and a slew of other Big Tech companies are continuing to take action over Russia's war in Ukraine.

And now Apple has joined the response to the conflict.

According to Apple, the company has "stopped all product sales in Russia." Those in Russia who attempt to buy an iPhone, Macbook, or other Apple product from its online store are provided a delivery date of "currently unavailable." Apple also added that it halted exports to Russia last week.

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

The use of its Apple Pay mobile payment service has also been "limited." 

While platforms like Facebook and YouTube are blocking Russian state-media outlets in the EU, Apple has taken it a step even further. The company announced it has removed apps for Russia Today and Sputnik News from the App Store outside Russia. 

In addition, Apple has removed traffic and live incidents from Apple Maps in Ukraine as a "safety and precautionary measure for Ukrainian citizens."

Apple's entire statement can be read below:

We are deeply concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand with all of the people who are suffering as a result of the violence. We are supporting humanitarian efforts, providing aid for the unfolding refugee crisis, and doing all we can to support our teams in the region. 

We have taken a number of actions in response to the invasion. We have paused all product sales in Russia. Last week, we stopped all exports into our sales channel in the country. Apple Pay and other services have been limited. RT News and Sputnik News are no longer available for download from the App Store outside Russia. And we have disabled both traffic and live incidents in Apple Maps in Ukraine as a safety and precautionary measure for Ukrainian citizens. 

We will continue to evaluate the situation and are in communication with relevant governments on the actions we are taking. We join all those around the world who are calling for peace.

Topics Apple iPhone


Recommended For You
The 12-foot Home Depot skeleton's new pet dog sold out in less than an hour
decorations from home depot's 2024 halloween collection




TikTok for Business: Everything you need to know
TikTok for Business

More in Tech

Get up to 25% off sitewide at Solawave
Woman using Solawave



Get this $115 Coleman tent for just $35 at Walmart
Coleman 4-Person Skydome Camping Tent

Trending on Mashable

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 29
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 29
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for April 29
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

Stephen King trolls Elon Musk once again over Twitter's name change
A composite image shows two men side-by-side, the man on the left grinning, the man on the right not.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!