Apple is negotiating with the Russian authorities and businesses to pre-install RuStore

Applications of Russian banks and other organizations blocked in the App Store may return to the iPhone in the near future. Russian authorities, development institutions and businesses are currently negotiating with Apple to allow Russian app stores, primarily RuStore, into the App Store, three sources familiar with the dialogue told Izvestia.

Apple of contention: The State Duma ordered Apple to install RuStore on devices

The deputies believe that the company has the technical capabilities to integrate the Russian app store.

The negotiations were also confirmed by a source close to the government. Although there is no agreement yet, he clarified. Another source claims that Apple, during informal negotiations, promised the Ministry of Finance not to interfere with the placement of RuStore in the App Store.

If RuStore appears on the App Store, it can be called a sensation without exaggeration, says Leonid Konik, a partner at ComNews Research.

"So far, only the European Union has managed to break this monopoly: the EU law on Digital Markets has obliged Apple to allow alternative app stores in the App Store since March 7, 2024, and also gave app developers the right to refuse to use Apple's payment system, which charges them a commission of up to 30%," says Konik.

Market participants interviewed by Izvestia do not rule out that RuStore may appear in Apple gadgets operated in Russia as early as autumn. On September 1, 2025, amendments to the law "On Consumer Rights Protection" will come into force in Russia, prescribing the installation of Russian app stores on all tablets and smartphones sold in Russia. If RuStore cannot be installed on the device, it will be considered defective, which creates legal risks for sellers.