The Ministry of Finance and Energy of Russia has reportedly prohibited the use of iPhones for official negotiations and correspondence. A Telegram channel named Banksta has shared this update, noting that the restriction affects government departments tasked with financial and energy policy. The report adds that the ban has already extended to other high-level state bodies and agencies, including the Kremlin and several ministries such as Industry and Trade, Digital Transformation, and Rostec State Corporation. The move signals a broader preference for devices deemed more controllable from a security standpoint within state administration.
In recent months, concerns about information security have intensified in Russia. A June report suggested that U.S. intelligence services were conducting surveillance operations within Russia through Apple devices. The Federal Security Service of Russia has claimed that thousands of Apple smartphones used by both Russian and foreign nationals were compromised by malware. Security analysts cited anomalies that allegedly appear only on Apple devices and are linked to malware leveraging previously unknown software vulnerabilities disclosed by the manufacturer. These findings have fueled debate about the resilience of popular consumer devices in critical government and corporate environments and have prompted discussions about risk assessment and defense-in-depth strategies across the public sector.
The FSB has asserted that Apple cooperated with the United States National Security Agency, a claim that has been controversial and disputed in various quarters. According to the agency, thousands of websites were compromised in Russia and other states that rely on SIM cards registered through Russian diplomatic missions and embassies. Apple has publicly denied these assertions, stating that the company does not engage in such activities and that the claims lack verifiable evidence. The disagreement underscores the sensitive nature of cyber governance and the competing narratives that arise in the wake of security allegations.
Earlier reporting indicated that the Aquarius project faced significant challenges in replacing iPhones across state-owned enterprises on a short timeline. The situation illustrates the complexities of device management, supply chain considerations, and the need for secure alternatives in large, interconnected government networks. As officials weigh policy options, the balance between operational continuity, national security, and user productivity remains a critical factor in decisions about device ecosystems for state use.