The Ministry of Digital Development has crafted a draft law aimed at compelling Apple to loosen the restrictions on installing software on Russian iPhones. The proposal would allow apps to be downloaded from sources outside the official App Store, a move that’s expected to reshape how iPhone users in Russia access digital content. Interfax has reported on the bill, highlighting the government’s intent to reduce platform lock‑in and increase competitive choice for consumers and developers alike.
According to Maksut Shadayev, head of the ministry, the bill is modeled after the European Digital Markets Act in its basic aims and structure. He noted that, in line with standard parliamentary procedures, the bill would not be slated for submission to the State Duma until after the autumn session begins. This timing point underscores the careful balancing act between regulatory ambition and the legislative calendar, as ministries seek to align with broader policy work and procedural requirements.
Shadayev added that if consultations within the State Duma reveal a sense of urgency and broad support among deputies, the ministry intends to push to implement the measure at the earliest feasible date. The statement signals a willingness to accelerate the legislative process if political backing emerges, especially on a matter framed as essential to consumer choice and market fairness.
The ministry has already prepared the text of the bill, and current efforts are focused on rapid adoption. The draft reflects a strategic priority to harmonize Russian digital policy with evolving global norms while preserving state oversight and security considerations. Officials emphasize that the aim is not to bypass safeguards but to create a legal pathway for alternative software distribution that could coexist with the traditional app ecosystem.
Officials say the government expects to engage in negotiations with Apple, described as a globally influential company, to negotiate terms that align with Russian legislation and market realities. They suggest that Apple has demonstrated a willingness to cooperate with regulatory frameworks in various jurisdictions and have pointed to past compliance actions as a sign of readiness to work within Russia’s regulatory environment. The lines of dialogue, they say, are meant to ensure that the company continues to operate in a way that respects local rules and consumer interests.
There is also a note of cautious optimism. Some sources have pointed to Apple’s recent policy decisions in other regions as evidence that the company may adapt its distribution practices to accommodate local laws and consumer protections. However, observers stress that any agreement would need to preserve the integrity of device security and user privacy while expanding legitimate options for app installation. The overall goal, as described by officials, is to foster a more dynamic, competitive app market without compromising key regulatory priorities.
Analysts have noted past statements that Apple could introduce or adjust features that permit sideloading under particular conditions, with party to the European market cited as an example. While definitive outcomes remain uncertain, the dialogue highlights the broader global trend toward greater platform interoperability and regulatory accountability. The evolving discourse in Russia reflects a broader debate about how digital platforms should be governed when they operate across borders and accommodate diverse regulatory environments.