Apple iPhone 17 Makes Surprise Appearance in Moscow Stores Despite Official Ban

Apple's iPhone 17 is now available in Moscow stores despite an official sales ban in Russia. The tech giant's new smartphones have reached Russian buyers through the government's parallel imports initiative. Demand for the iPhone 17 has doubled compared to the previous model, with government purchases four times higher than in 2023. Apple has faced tensions with Russia before and has paid millions in antitrust fines and for alleged abuse of its mobile app market dominance.

Despite Apple Inc. (AAPL) officially halting sales in Russia following the 2022 Ukraine invasion, the tech giant's iPhone 17 models are now available in Moscow stores through the government's parallel imports initiative Apple's iPhone 17 Surfaces In Moscow Stores Despite Official Sales Ban^[1]. This move allows Russian consumers to access the latest iPhone models, despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The iPhone 17's launch in Russia is a testament to the strong demand for Apple's products, even in the face of economic slowdowns. According to Russia's largest telecom provider, MTS, demand for the iPhone 17 has doubled compared to the previous model Apple's iPhone 17 Surfaces In Moscow Stores Despite Official Sales Ban^[1]. Moreover, government purchases of the iPhone 16 units in 2024 were four times higher than in 2023, indicating robust institutional demand Apple's iPhone 17 Surfaces In Moscow Stores Despite Official Sales Ban^[1].

Apple has faced tensions with Russia before, including paying $13.7 million in antitrust fines over App Store practices and an additional $12.1 million for alleged abuse of its mobile app market dominance Apple's iPhone 17 Surfaces In Moscow Stores Despite Official Sales Ban^[1]. However, the company's products continue to be highly sought after in the Russian market, with the iPhone 17 commanding higher prices than in Western markets. For instance, the basic 256 GB iPhone 17 is listed at 119,990 roubles ($1,437.08) on Restore's online store, about 57% more than the U.S. retail price New iPhone 17 unveils in Moscow, as pre-orders jump despite slowing economy^[2].

The iPhone 17's larger 6.3-inch display with 120Hz ProMotion and its 256GB base storage have sparked a surge in international demand, with Bank of America Securities recently increasing Apple's price target to $270 Apple's iPhone 17 Surfaces In Moscow Stores Despite Official Sales Ban^[1]. The strong demand for Apple's products is reflected in its 57.24% U.S. market share and record Chinese pre-orders on JD.com.

The iPhone 17's availability in Russia through parallel imports highlights the resilience of Apple's brand and the enduring popularity of its products, even in challenging market conditions. However, the higher prices and logistical costs associated with parallel imports may impact the company's overall profitability in the region.