Russian and international readers are observing a shift in how smartphones are shipped in Russia, with several major Chinese brands preloading the RuStore market from VK on new devices. The topic has sparked discussions in major business outlets, including Kommersant, as several models from Xiaomi, Tecno, Vivo, Realme, Infinix, and Itel begin to hit the market with RuStore already present on the device. This development highlights a broader strategy by manufacturers to offer a built-in option for users to access apps via a Russia-specific marketplace from the moment the device is first used.
In comments reported by Tecno to Kommersant, it was noted that starting January 1, 2023, access to system settings is not automatically granted for RuStore as part of the preinstalled software. RuStore has been added to the list of applications that must accompany smartphones sold in the Russian Federation. When a user installs an application from the Russian market for the first time, Android prompts them to permit installation from this source, reaffirming the need for explicit user consent before proceeding with a download from RuStore.
Viktor Rykov, a lawyer for KA Pen & Paper, pointed out potential legal risk for Android-based manufacturers under their licensing agreements with Google when preinstalling RuStore. He noted that the action could violate license terms, potentially affecting how profits from transactions in Google Play are shared with device manufacturers. Tecno, however, contended that their approach did not breach Google’s rules, arguing that the preinstalled apps were agreed upon in advance as part of their contractual arrangements.
Industry experts also warn that, should RuStore remain deeply embedded in the Android ecosystem, manufacturers could face the possibility of broader disruptions. There is concern that Google services might be restricted on devices sold internationally if regulatory or licensing considerations escalate. Some observers suggest that official suppliers to Russia could explore parallel import channels as a workaround to avoid potential service limitations, though such moves carry their own regulatory and commercial risks.
Earlier reports indicated that Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development was exploring measures to deepen the integration of RuStore within smartphone firmware. The aim appears to be ensuring that Russian users have reliable access to a domestically sanctioned app marketplace, while balancing concerns raised by global platform providers and licensing bodies. These developments reflect the ongoing tension between national policy objectives and the standard licensing frameworks that govern global smartphone ecosystems, potentially influencing future device configurations and software availability for buyers in Russia and neighboring markets.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders including manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and users will be watching how preinstalled marketplaces like RuStore interact with established app ecosystems. The outcome could shape future device design choices, licensing negotiations, and the practical experience of users who rely on a combination of native and third-party app sources. Observers emphasize that any significant policy shifts would need transparent clarification from both the manufacturers and regulatory authorities to avoid misunderstandings about device functionality and service access across different regions.
In summary, the move to preload RuStore on several popular Android smartphones signals a notable shift in how app marketplaces may be integrated into new devices. The discussion centers on licensing compliance, potential impacts on Google Play revenue sharing, and the broader implications for international service availability. Market participants and consumers alike await further details on how these integrations will operate in practice, what safeguards will be put in place, and how similar strategies might influence the next generation of smartphone software ecosystems. [Source: Kommersant]