August M
Russian iPhone users are facing new restrictions on digital payments, as access to a key workaround suddenly disappears. The move comes amid reports of growing pressure on Apple from Russian authorities.
Russians have lost the ability to fund their Apple ID accounts using mobile phone billing, according to The Moscow Times.
The payment method had become widely used after Visa and MasterCard suspended operations in Russia in 2022.
Users attempting to add funds now receive a message stating: “Payment by mobile phone is temporarily unavailable, please try again later.”
Sudden cutoff
According to The Moscow Times, major Russian mobile operators had warned customers earlier in the week to top up their accounts in advance.
They advised users to add enough funds to last up to a year, suggesting the restriction was expected.
The outlet reported that the change affects purchases such as apps, subscriptions, music and films tied to Apple ID accounts.
Pressure tactic
According to The Moscow Times, anonymous government sources said the restriction may be linked to efforts to pressure Apple.
The sources told media outlets that Russia’s Digital Development Ministry instructed mobile carriers to temporarily block payments.
“The Digital Development Ministry believes that temporary restrictions by carriers may encourage [Apple] to comply with Russian law, since the lost profits would otherwise be too great,” a government source was quoted as saying by Interfax.
Russian authorities have not officially confirmed the move.
Political reaction
Some lawmakers have questioned the impact of the decision.
According to The Moscow Times, State Duma Deputy Speaker Vladislav Davankov called for “detailed official explanations” regarding the restrictions.
Another lawmaker, Anton Tkachev, said the measure would mainly affect ordinary users and is unlikely to influence Apple’s policies.
Analysts estimate there are around 16 million iPhone users in Russia, with roughly half regularly making purchases or paying for subscriptions, the outlet reported.
Sources: The Moscow Times, Interfax
