Following news that the US Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security blocked the export of certain smartphones to Russia and Belarus for shipments over 300, Moscow residents quickly turned to high end iPhone models. Reports from VPost show a surge in interest as people seek premium Apple devices amid the export restrictions.
One observer noted a notable rush at the usually quiet re:Store location in Moscow’s Europolis during the weekend. The store was bustling, but the supply line remained uncertain and the selection was limited, according to VPost after speaking with shoppers and store staff.
Availability on major retailer sites has also tightened. At the start of February, roughly 300 new iPhones were listed across major Russian retailers such as Eldorado and M.Video. That number has dropped to about 130, with many items labeled as last copies and showing limited stock in stores around Moscow. This pattern underscores a shift in consumer behavior as supplies tighten and demand remains steady for flagship models.
Currently, the most sought after models are the basic iPhone 13 and iPhone 11, with prices surpassing 100,000 rubles in many outlets. While demand is high for these reliable performers, other models are less in demand but still available in several shops, indicating a mixed market with pockets of inventory that vary by retailer and region.
Earlier coverage from socialbites.ca highlighted a separate issue in the market: fraudulent channels for selling Apple devices were appearing on Telegram. This cautioned buyers to verify sources and avoid scams as the supply landscape evolves in Russia.