iPhone 16 prices soar in Russia amid sanctions
Apple ceased sales in Russia in 2022 after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, but devices are reaching Russia via grey imports.
Russian retailers have launched pre-sales of the iPhone 16, despite Apple’s ongoing export ban to the country. Leading companies M.Video-Eldorado and MTS have begun offering the devices at prices far higher than in the United States. Deliveries are expected to begin within the next week.
Apple had paused sales in Russia in March 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine, in line with Western sanctions targeting technology exports. Although Apple no longer operates in the region, Russian retailers are obtaining the new iPhones via grey imports. These imports are routed through countries like Turkey and Kazakhstan, where sanctions are not enforced.
Prices for the iPhone 16 in Russia start at 112,999 roubles ($1,225), significantly higher than the $799 price tag in the US The Pro Max version, with 1TB storage, is priced at 249,999 roubles ($2,710), more than $1,000 over the US price. Russian consumers continue to show demand for Western technology, despite sanctions.
The Russian government supports the parallel import scheme for products like the iPhone 16. Despite efforts to encourage domestic alternatives, Western goods remain popular, even though officials have been warned to avoid using iPhones due to alleged security concerns, claims Apple has denied.
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