The State Duma is preparing to debate a bill that would require the RuStore app marketplace to be installed on Apple smartphones and tablets. The proposal includes changes to the law on the Protection of Consumer Rights. The first reading is scheduled for November 12, with additional specifics still to be clarified.
The move fits into a broader effort to expand domestic digital services and broaden options for Russian consumers in the app ecosystem. If enacted, the legislation could require device manufacturers to offer or preinstall RuStore on devices sold within the country, shaping how users discover and access apps. The bill would also set out consumer protections and procedures for disputes related to app distribution, updates, and payments, and would likely prompt updates to privacy and security requirements for marketplace operators and partners involved in the ecosystem.
Market signals from the third quarter of 2024 show the iPhone 15 base model among the world’s best selling smartphones, followed by the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro. In the top ten, four positions went to Apple devices, five to Samsung, and one to Xiaomi. The spread remained largely unchanged from the prior year, suggesting stable consumer preferences across major markets and brands.
The growing appeal of high end smartphones points to a trend where premium features such as advanced cameras, faster processors, and longer battery life are increasingly valued. The narrowing gap between standard and professional models indicates that buyers are prioritizing performance and capability even as price tiers widen.
A separate court decision in Russia resulted in a fine of 3.6 million rubles against Apple for not removing information deemed prohibited. The ruling illustrates ongoing regulatory actions affecting international tech companies as Russia continues to shape its digital policy framework.
Taken together, these developments reflect how regulatory directions, market demand, and enforcement actions interact to shape the mobile device and app marketplace landscape in Russia and beyond. The RuStore proposal represents a policy option aimed at strengthening domestic alternatives, while sales patterns and penalties highlight the ongoing dynamic between global platforms and national rules.