Sales of iPhones outside Russia began quietly, entering the market through channels that skeptics call parallel imports. Reports from a broad spectrum of outlets described a shift in how devices reach Russian consumers, sidestepping official service restrictions that had been announced by Apple a year earlier. While Apple stated that it would limit service operations and halt product sales in Russia, supply continued through less conventional routes, allowing some devices to reach the country despite official policies.
Industry insiders indicate that smartphones activated abroad are now finding their way into Russia. A product manager from a distributor described the flow as already in motion, with activations taking place outside the country before devices are shipped across borders for sale on the domestic market. This setup makes it clearer to observers that the devices entering Russia are not simply leftovers from prior stock but are being prepared for resale through internationally sourced activations.
Another viewpoint from the market suggests that selling smartphones without formal packaging or bar codes could open the door to larger sales volumes. While this approach may lead to more units on shelves, it could also mean a portion of the inventory remains unofficially tracked or priced at a premium to reflect the extra handling involved in parallel import schemes.
Analysts point to the incentive behind this import activity. Distributors fear a potential end to tie-ups with Apple, prompting them to secure devices through alternative routes. In practice, intermediary networks in places like Turkey and the United Arab Emirates reportedly acquire stock in the United States, activate the devices domestically, and then arrange delivery to Russia. Without such proactive steps, there is a concern that Apple would be able to trace and limit resales of activated devices within the Russian market.
In other news, Apple publicly announced the iPhone 14 in a distinctive yellow color, signaling continued product diversification and regional marketing efforts as part of its broader global lineup. This release underscores the ongoing tension between official distribution policies and market demand that persists in the region, where consumers and retailers alike navigate a landscape shaped by policy changes and adaptive supply chains.