Nuked Starting April 1st, users will see a screen that allows them to automatically install apps that are officially sanctioned by the Russian government. The new iPhone will be available in compliance with Russian law.
Law requires smartphones, tablets, laptops, desktops, and smart TVs to come pre-installed with specific apps by April 1st. The law was originally set to go into effect in July 2020, but was pushed back to April 2021. Apple confirmed to the verge that it will comply with the law by giving the users the option to install the apps when activating the phone.
The government seems to be aware that it might be problematic to favor specific apps, and is planning to expand its list over time. The government is not at all interested in seeing popular apps included in the mandatory pre-installation list take dominant positions.
Apple has previously made changes to stay on the side of local laws. It’s changed maps, blocked pride watch faces in Russia, and now stores iCloud data on state-run servers in China.
