Prices for iPhones imported into Russia through parallel channels have fallen by about 30 percent from the previous month, according to Izvestia. The report notes a noticeable drop across several models, signaling a broader shift in the market dynamics for Apple devices in the country.
Specifically, the iPhone 13 Pro Max in the top configuration with 1 TB of storage saw its price ease to 179,990 rubles. The same model was previously priced at 245,990 rubles in July, underscoring a substantial reduction in cost for premium configurations, as observed by the publication.
Smaller storage variants also experienced price relief. Models with 128 GB saw an average reduction of around 20,000 rubles, contributing to an overall downward trend in the parallel-import segment.
David Borzilov, MegaFon’s director of sales, told the publication that prices for iPhones have indeed softened, attributing part of the decline to a strengthening ruble. This currency shift appears to be a key factor in the recent pricing moves across retailers involved in parallel imports.
Tele2’s press secretary, Daria Kolesnikova, added that the development of new supply chains has also played a role in driving prices down. The expansion of these channels has helped ease some of the previous supply constraints that kept prices elevated.
Shamil Baigin, Acting Press Secretary of MTS, explained that iPhone prices are constantly fluctuating, influenced by consumer demand, purchase costs, and other market forces. This underscores the sensitivity of pricing to shifting conditions in both demand and supply.
Market experts point to two additional reasons behind the price declines for Apple devices in Russia. First, a softer demand from buyers has reduced pressure on sellers. Second, there is a sense of waning consumer trust in Apple due to restrictions affecting users in Russia, which may also be weighing on pricing strategies in the short term.
The trend toward lower prices is also visible in the gray market. At present, the iPhone 13 Pro Max with 128 GB can be found around 80,000 rubles, with the higher end of the market offering devices up to about 115,000 rubles for premium configurations.
In June, reports highlighted a shortage of replacement parts at authorized Apple service centers in Russia, which adds another layer to the ongoing discussion about the availability and affordability of iPhones in the region.