Employees across all Rostec organizations are prohibited from using Apple mobile devices for business communication, a move that has been reported by TASS, citing the press service of the state corporation. This measure appears to signal a broad policy shift within Rostec, aimed at consolidating official channels and reducing reliance on devices produced by a foreign tech giant for day‑to‑day work. The emphasis is on ensuring that corporate communications stay within approved platforms and hardware choices that align with security and compliance requirements across the group’s diverse holdings.
Rostec officials stated that a complete ban on the use of American-made equipment for work purposes is being implemented throughout the company’s network of enterprises. The decision appears to extend beyond a single business unit, affecting multiple subsidiaries and affiliated entities under Rostec’s umbrella. Company representatives stressed that the policy is intended to standardize the technology stack used for official correspondence and data handling, with a focus on minimizing potential security risks associated with external devices in a mission‑critical environment.
According to official channels, preparations for the measure included approvals by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, suggesting a coordinated government‑level approach to technology usage within strategic enterprises. The internal directive reportedly takes effect from July 17, with employees prohibited from using iPhone smartphones from the American company Apple for business communication. This timeline aligns with ongoing discussions about national tech sovereignty and the need to curtail dependence on foreign hardware and software in sensitive sectors.
Earlier in July, the business newspaper Vedomosti reported on these plans, noting that the ban would extend to employees of Rostec’s subsidiaries as well. The publication cited an internal order and described how the policy would be rolled out across the organization, potentially affecting a large number of staff who rely on mobile devices for internal messaging, document sharing, and remote collaboration. The article also highlighted that the measure is part of a broader effort to align corporate IT practices with national security considerations.
Independent confirmation from the information security community and communications staff inside Rostec reinforced the existence of the internal ban, with one employee from an IT solutions developer confirming the Ministry’s stance. The disclosure underscores the seriousness with which Rostec treats device policy and the management of official communications channels. Experts in the field have noted that such moves, while growing in frequency, can present practical challenges for employees who depend on mobile devices for rapid coordination, field operations, and cross‑department collaboration.
Earlier public statements from the Presidential Administration underscored a generally cautious posture toward the use of foreign hardware for official duties. Dmitry Peskov, the President’s press secretary, indicated in June that officials within the presidential administration are restricted from using Apple devices for official purposes, reflecting a broader trend toward tightening technology choices at the highest levels of government. The message from the top ranks aligns with Rostec’s policy drive and signals that device standardization is becoming a common feature across key state institutions and strategic corporations.
As the Ministry of Industry and Trade had previously suggested, discussions continue about whether iPhone devices should be excluded from parallel import channels. The outcome of these discussions could influence not only procurement strategies for government and federally affiliated entities but also the competitive landscape for alternative device ecosystems within the domestic market. Overall, the move to ban Apple devices from official communications represents a notable shift in how state‑linked organizations manage technology risk, data governance, and operational continuity in a rapidly evolving digital environment.