The head of Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development, Maksut Shadayev, signaled that the ministry could compel Apple to permit installation of third-party applications on its devices. This shift in policy direction was reported by Kommersant, which notes that the proposal is gaining momentum as lawmakers prepare to address the issue in parliament.
Shadayev indicated that the bill might be placed before the State Duma in the spring session. At present, lawmakers are refining the draft in response to recommendations from the presidential administration, aiming to align the initiative with broader regulatory objectives and state interests.
In remarks about the bill’s intent, the minister drew a parallel with the European Union’s Digital Markets Act. The comparison underscores a drive to create a more level playing field for app ecosystems, especially after last year’s decision to remove applications from Russian-sanctioned companies and banks from the Apple and Google storefronts in 2023. The move highlighted the tension between global platform policies and national regulatory aims, prompting Moscow to consider its own framework for digital markets and device ecosystems (Kommersant).
Industry analysis from Counterpoint Research, cited in 2023, placed Apple devices prominently in the global market, illustrating the strong foothold of iPhones in the world’s smartphone ranking. That year’s data showed Apple at a high position among top-selling smartphones, signaling the enduring influence of its devices on consumer behavior and market dynamics (Kommersant).
During that period, Apple’s products dominated several leading spots in the ranking, with the iPhone 14 series occupying multiple of the top positions. The 14, 14 Pro, and 14 Pro Max were widely favored in consumer surveys, contributing to a competitive spotlight on Apple’s hardware lineup and its continued appeal among customers (Kommersant).
Separately, Rosobrnadzor announced a policy requiring full completion of the Unified Digital Learning Documents Record by the end of 2024. The move reflects ongoing efforts to modernize educational administration and ensure standardized digital documentation across the sector. The initiative signals an emphasis on transparency and data integrity in regulatory oversight of educational institutions (Kommersant).