Apple Started Blocking Russians' Accounts Due To Sanctions
- 12.02.2026, 13:28
Restrictions have become widespread.
Apple has begun restricting purchases, subscriptions and other transactions for Russians whose data matches information from sanctions lists, iPhones.ru reports. Users receive notifications stating that they cannot make purchases because their data "matches, in whole or in part, the data of one or more parties on a list of individuals sanctioned by the U.S. government or another government." Apple explains that it is obliged to comply with applicable laws and regulations. If earlier such cases were isolated, now the restrictions have become widespread.
Similar matches may affect tens of thousands of Russian users, who as a result may lose access to their Apple ID. Device owners are already complaining about blocking, deletion of profiles and inability to use services, Shot notes. According to iPhone users, in the account settings there was a message about the need to undergo additional identity verification and upload a passport photo. Without this you can not make purchases in the App Store, there are difficulties with access to Game Center, games and iCloud. Some are trying to unlink devices from blocked accounts to create new ones.
Apple is also tightening control over smartphone shipments to Russia through other countries where the company does not officially operate. As reported by Indian publication MoneyControl, official distributors have warned local retailers of high penalties for activating iPhones with foreign SIM cards within 90 days of purchase. Special attention is being paid to the latest 17th series of smartphones. The mailing to retailers states that if you are found using devices with foreign SIM cards, "your retail outlet will be subject to a high fine and the store code may be blocked in accordance with the policy."
Apple could disable its devices in Russia and turn them into "bricks," said Andrey Svintsov, deputy head of the State Duma's Information Policy Committee. "Technically it is indeed possible," he said. At the same time, according to Svintsov, Russians will quickly find a replacement for Apple gadgets if the company shows itself to be a tool "in the hands of the United States intelligence services."