March 30, 2026

From April 1, Russians will be banned from paying for Apple services from their phone accounts - RBC

The Ministry of Digital Development of the Russian Federation has instructed the 'big four' operators to restrict payments for Apple services from mobile phone accounts from April 1. RBC reports this, citing sources. Thus, from April 1, users of Apple services in Russia will not be able to top up their Apple ID balance. The operators were told, among other reasons, about the need to prevent payments for VPN services, RBC's interlocutor noted. TASS and Interfax previously reported that the Ministry of Digital Development plans to temporarily suspend payments for Apple services from mobile phone accounts. According to media reports, the Ministry of Digital Development believes that restrictions by operators may encourage Apple to return Russian services to the App Store. 'Temporary restrictions by operators may encourage the technology company to comply with Russian legislation, as the lost profit would otherwise be too great,' an Interfax interlocutor noted. In March 2022, Apple suspended all sales and deliveries of equipment to Russia, and also limited the operation of most services. Since then, it has only been possible to top up the balance of the App Store, iCloud, and Apple Music in Russia from a phone account or using gift cards.