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IPhones purchased in Russia now display a list of Russian-made apps on startup, thanks to a new law that comes into effect today, MacRumors reports. The prompt is part of the standard iPhone setup process, appearing after the user has selected other options such as allowing location services or app scanning.
“In accordance with Russian legal requirements, continue to display applications available for download,” reads the dry text, before displaying a short list of a dozen applications. These include various Yandex apps, a messaging app from Mail.ru, a live video streaming service called OK Live, and the popular Russian social network VK. A “Get” icon appears next to each application, giving the user a shortcut to install them.
The prompt comes in response to a Russian law, originally passed in 2019, requiring manufacturers to preinstall Russian-made software on devices sold in the country. It covers smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, laptops and desktops. According to Reuters, the law is part of a larger attempt by Moscow to reduce its dependence on foreign companies and better control the Internet.
Apple last month agreed to comply with the law by giving users the ability to install Russian-made apps at startup. This is a notable concession from the company, which generally maintains tight control over the process of setting up its devices. However, Apple has been willing to change apparent attempts to comply with Russian local laws in the past, including changing maps to show Crimea as Russian territory and removing a gay pride dial.
Reuters notes that the big beneficiaries of the new law should be Yandex and Mail.ru. But in a statement last month, a Russian official said alternative apps will be included if they prove popular with users.
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