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

Apple workers urge leadership to 'end their silence' on Palestine
An Apple logo with a fabric pattern inside.

5 new iOS features you’re not getting because you’re outside the EU
Apple iPhone with the EU flag in the background

John Oliver takes an eye-opening deep dive into UFOs
A man in a suit sits behind a talk show desk. In the top-left is an image of a UFO.

'The Big Cigar' trailer follows Black Panther leader Huey P. Newton's escape to Cuba
André Holland as Huey P. Newton.

More in Tech

Amazon deal of the day: Our favorite hybrid robot vacuum, the Narwal Freo X Ultra, is $300 off
Apple Pencil, JBL Clip 4, Echo Dot, and Narwal robot vacuum with blue gradient background

iOS 18 tipped to redesign 4 apps — 'Photos' is one of them
iOS 18 logo on phone screen

How to change your Gmail password
An illustration of a person on their laptop surrounded by emails.

Apple and OpenAI are reportedly in talks for iOS 18 integration
openai logo on iphone in front of colorful background

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

How to watch NBA live streams online for free
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 30
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'
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!