The Russian government is moving to broaden the reach of RuStore by requiring smartphone makers to embed its official app deeper within their devices. A draft decree published on the federal portal of normative acts outlines the plan, signaling a push to have RuStore integrated into the operating system to a level comparable with the preinstalled app stores that come with devices or OS software.
Under the draft, RuStore would be treated as a primary app store by default, with integration expectations matching those of the system supplier’s own store. The document stresses that sellers or their authorized representatives should not preload the RuStore app simply to gain a convenience advantage; instead, RuStore would receive the same system permissions as other app marketplaces to ensure parity of access and functionality across devices.
Business press notes that the proposal also envisions linking Mir Pay, the contactless payment system, with RuStore, an arrangement experts say would reinforce the store’s role in the ecosystem. Market participants warn that expanding the footprint of RuStore could complicate the market landscape in Russia, especially as several manufacturers have limited their involvement in the local smartphone market in recent years.
Earlier, the Ministry of Digital Development released another draft resolution from the Council of Ministers. That proposal suggests measures to curb any tactic by smartphone, tablet, and Smart TV makers that would allow preloading RuStore under licensing terms aligned with the operating system’s developer requirements. The goal is to ensure a clear and consistent framework for how native and third-party stores operate on Russian devices, safeguarding user choice and system integrity while maintaining compliance with licensing and security standards.