Sergei Lavrov, the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, reportedly stopped using an iPhone years ago, opting for a smartphone from a different manufacturer. The assertion came from a statement by the Russian Foreign Ministry, carried by RIA News, indicating a shift in the leadership’s personal device choices.
According to the ministry, Sergei Viktorovich Lavrov abandoned the iPhone long ago and replaced it with a device from another producer. This admission underscores a broader pattern within some state circles to diversify personal communications tools, potentially for security or policy reasons.
In contrast, Dmitry Peskov, the presidential press secretary, indicated that he continues to use an iPhone and described it as his preferred device. His remarks reflect a personal preference that sits alongside official rhetoric about device security and national digital policy. The dynamic reveals a spectrum of choices among senior officials regarding consumer tech, even within the same administration.
Reports from June 2023 indicated that the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Federal Protective Service (FSO) claimed U.S. intelligence services employed spyware to monitor Russian officials through iPhones. Since that disclosure, Peskov noted that some members of the presidential administration have moved away from Apple devices, while others still rely on them. He also shared views on the iOS operating system, suggesting that the platform itself could be a topic for national tech strategy discussions. This exchange highlights ongoing concerns about cybersecurity, device management, and the balance between personal convenience and state security requirements.
Lavrov’s position and Peskov’s commentary illustrate how technology decisions intersect with policy considerations, signaling that official channels remain attentive to potential vulnerabilities and the need for resilient communication tools. The conversation also points to a broader question for Russian technologists and policymakers: how to harmonize global tech ecosystems with domestic development goals while protecting sensitive communications.
Observers note that public discussions about device choices often reflect deeper strategic concerns—ranging from data sovereignty to the reliability of foreign-made software and hardware. For those monitoring international cybersecurity trends, the situation in Russia provides a case study in how high-level officials approach personal technology, risk assessment, and national adaptation to rapidly evolving digital threats. The evolving narrative invites readers to consider how government leaders in various countries approach similar decisions, and what lessons can be drawn about best practices for device security, policy formation, and citizen trust. [CITATION NEEDED]