In Russia, the American tech giant Apple faced a substantial penalty in a 2022 antitrust case. The fine, reported by the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia, amounted to about 1.1 billion rubles. This action followed a formal decision and was later confirmed through the regulator’s official Telegram channel, underscoring the seriousness with which Russian authorities pursued competition safeguards.
The core issue centered on antitrust concerns over the restrictions Apple placed on app developers within the App Store. In the summer of 2022, the company was found to have violated competition rules by limiting what developers could disclose to customers inside their apps, particularly information about alternative payment methods and outside purchases. Such limitations were deemed to hinder developers from presenting customers with fully transparent pricing and payment choices, a practice the FAS viewed as restricting fair market competition.
As a consequence, Apple faced a precise financial penalty: 1,177,988,700 rubles. The regulator documented that the payment was completed on January 19, 2024, with the funds subsequently directed into the Russian budget. This settlement marked a clear enforcement milestone for the FAS and signaled ongoing vigilance over app marketplace practices in Russia.
Apple remains one of the world’s most valuable companies, with a market capitalization approaching three trillion dollars. Its global brand is built on iconic devices such as smartphones under the iPhone line and computers featuring the Mac designation. The firm’s extensive ecosystem and developer relations strategy have long drawn attention and scrutiny from regulators worldwide, including discussions about app store dynamics and competitive practices in multiple jurisdictions.
Industry observers have noted continued attention to Apple’s technology portfolio in Russia and beyond. A separate report indicated that additional regulatory considerations could influence the use of certain technologies in other Apple products, including smart wearables. These developments reflect a broader trend where regulators assess how major tech players balance platform control with developer and consumer rights, ensuring fair access and competitive choices across markets.