- Kyle Chua
Apple Suspends All Product Sales in Russia Over Ukraine Invasion
Apple has halted all product sales in Russia as it joins other U.S. private companies that are boycotting the country over its invasion of Ukraine.
The Cupertino company’s products on its online outlet in Russia are now reportedly listed as “unavailable” for purchase and cannot be added to the cart. Apple doesn’t operate any physical stores in the country, which means there’s no way for Russians to legally buy iPhones or Macbooks, among other products, at present.
"We have taken a number of actions in response to the invasion," wrote Apple in a statement. "We have paused all product sales in Russia. Last week, we stopped all exports into our sales channel in the country."
Apple additionally put limitations on the use of Apple Pay in compliance with the financial sanctions the U.S. and other countries imposed on Russia. This prevented Russian citizens from using their bank cards associated with their Apple Pay accounts to complete transactions. Google similarly cut off access to its Google Pay services in the country.
Apple also banned Russian news apps, including the state-owned RT and Sputnik, from its global App Stores.
The company’s recent decisions come after Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov's request to stop supplying products and services to Russian users amid the ongoing invasion.
"We will continue to evaluate the situation and are in communication with relevant governments on the actions we are taking. We join all those around the world who are calling for peace," added Apple.
Apple, as mentioned earlier, is but one of a growing list of companies that are presently taking action against Russia. Disney and WarnerMedia, for instance, both announced that it would be pausing the theatrical releases of its upcoming films in the country. Facebook and YouTube, meanwhile, said that they would be cracking down on Russian-backed media outlets in Europe. Nike, like Apple, also halted sales of its goods in the country.
Apple has halted all product sales in Russia, joining a growing list of U.S. private companies that are taking action against the invasion of Ukraine.
All of the iPhone maker's products on its online outlet in Russia are reportedly now listed as "unavailable" for purchase and delivery.
The decision comes in response to Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov’s request to stop supplying products and services to Russian users.
Other companies like Disney, Facebook, Nike and others have also halted theatrical releases of upcoming films and paused the sale of products in Russia.