The most popular Apple smartphone in Russia during the first eight months of 2023 was the basic iPhone 13 with a 128 GB storage option. This finding comes from the press service of the combined retail group M.Video-Eldorado, as reported to socialbites.ca. The data highlights consumer preference for the profile of the iPhone 13 family, signaling that mid-range configurations remained appealing even as new models approached the market. In practical terms, buyers favored the standard feature set and adequate storage capacity, a combination that balanced performance with price in a market watching every ruble closely.
Following closely behind in overall popularity was the basic iPhone 11 from 2019, also with 128 GB, illustrating that several generations of Apple devices continued to hold strong appeal in the Russian consumer base. The proximity of the rankings suggests a broad tiering of demand that spans both newer and older models, with shoppers weighing factors such as price, feature needs, and durability. The top three is rounded out by the 2022 flagship, the iPhone 14 Pro Max, which comes with 256 GB of memory, underscoring strong demand for higher-storage configurations in premium devices even as older models persist in the market.
Beyond the top three, the ranking includes the standard iPhone 14 and the 256 GB iPhone 14 Pro, indicating continued diversification in storage options within the iPhone line. This distribution reflects a consumer base that values both the latest features and the practicality of larger storage capacities for multimedia, apps, and data. The broader trend points to a resilient preference for Apple devices in Russia, where even models from previous years retain significant market presence alongside the newest releases.
From the retailer’s statistics, it is evident that the most popular series in Russia at the moment is the iPhone 14 family. Following this core series is the iPhone 13 lineup, then the iPhone 11, followed by the iPhone 12 and the iPhone SE as notable standouts in the mix. This hierarchy reveals a layered demand pattern: while the newest generations draw attention for advanced capabilities, older iterations still command substantial share due to factors like price-to-performance value and compatibility with existing ecosystems. In 2022, the leadership rested with the iPhone 13 series, and in 2021 with the iPhone 11, highlighting how purchase momentum shifted over consecutive years as new releases arrived and market dynamics evolved.
According to M.Video-Eldorado, iPhones continue to lead in the Russian smartphone market when measured by revenue. Although Apple lagged behind other brands in terms of sheer unit sales, the brand remains firmly within the top five by revenue, underscoring the premium segments and consumer willingness to invest in higher-priced devices. This revenue leadership suggests that, in spite of competitive pressure, Apple devices deliver strong monetization for retailers through higher price points and the enduring appeal of brand perception, design philosophy, and integrated software experiences that resonate with many buyers in the region.
Looking ahead, the industry buzz points to a major event in the consumer tech calendar: on September 12, Apple is scheduled to present a new line of iPhone 15 smartphones. This anticipated event is watched closely by analysts, retailers, and consumers who want to gauge not only the hardware updates and feature set but also potential shifts in pricing strategy and market positioning. The timing of the presentation could influence purchasing plans and inventory moves across major retailers and regional markets, shaping how the new models are introduced and adopted in the weeks that follow.
Meanwhile, market observers have offered cautious commentary. Some analysts noted that the second quarter of 2023 marked a difficult period for the global smartphone market, with indications that it was among the weakest quarters in the last decade. Such evaluations underscore the volatility inherent in consumer electronics, where macroeconomic factors, supply chain considerations, and consumer sentiment can collectively influence sales trajectories. In this context, Apple’s ongoing ability to sustain high-value sales through refreshed devices and ecosystem advantages is viewed as a stabilizing factor, even as overall growth slows in certain regions.