Putin restricts Apple with new law

(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a new law requiring smartphone manufacturers to support RuStore, Russia’s state-operated app marketplace, on their devices. This legislation primarily affects Apple, due to the closed nature of its iOS operating system.

The law, which amends the Consumer Protection Law, broadens regulations concerning preinstalled applications. It prohibits manufacturers from restricting key functions such as payments, search capabilities, software updates, or device settings.

Apple is the main target of these amendments, as its devices traditionally enforce strict software limitations. Last year, the European Union compelled Apple to allow users in member countries to install third-party app stores on iOS devices. Currently, installing RuStore on an iPhone requires complex workarounds.

The new rules have a smaller impact on Android smartphone makers like Samsung, Huawei, and Honor. Although these companies do not currently preinstall RuStore, users can easily download and use the app without restrictions.

Moscow first introduced a list of mandatory Russian-made software for electronic devices in 2019. Smartphone manufacturers have criticized these measures, arguing that mandating Russian software could reduce competition in the consumer electronics and software sectors and potentially lead to market monopolization.

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