Yes, iPhones are significantly more expensive in Russia due to sanctions, parallel imports (gray market), and the absence of official Apple sales and support, leading to prices hundreds of dollars higher than in the US, with high-end models costing thousands more, but demand remains strong from wealthy consumers.
Prices for the iPhone 16 in Russia start at 112,999 roubles ($1,225), significantly higher than the $799 price tag in the US The Pro Max version, with 1TB storage, is priced at 249,999 roubles ($2,710), more than $1,000 over the US price.
Electronics retailer M. Video said prices would start at 112,999 roubles ($1,225) for the 128GB iPhone 16, over $400 more expensive than the U.S. price of $799. The 1TB iPhone Pro Max was available for pre-order in Russia for 249,999 roubles ($2,710), compared to the U.S. price of $1,599.
The iPhones' popularity in Russia has endured Apple halting sales in 2022 and suspending services like Apple Pay in the wake of Western sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine. In Russia, the phones also command higher prices than in Western markets.
In Türkiye, an iPhone 16 Pro costs $2,182—more than double American prices. Brazil ranks in second, at $1,835, across an analysis of 41 countries. Taxes are a primary factor driving up prices globally, with South Korea being the only country with lower prices than America.
The US continues to be one of the cheapest markets for iPhones. The iPhone 17 (256GB) costs $799 (Rs 66,800), while the iPhone 17 Air is priced at $999 (Rs 83,400). Even the iPhone 17 Pro ($1,299 / Rs 1,06,000) and Pro Max ($1,449 / Rs 1,18,000) are significantly more affordable than in India.
An unopened, factory-sealed, first-generation 4GB iPhone from 2007 sold for over $190,000 (specifically $190,372.80) at a LCG Auctions auction in July 2023, becoming a highly prized collector's item due to its rarity and pristine condition, far exceeding its original price.
Wholesale prices of Fresh Apple in Russia
Over the past 4 weeks, the wholesale price of Russia Fresh Apple has typically been between $0.91 and $1.15 USD per kg, or $0.41 to $0.52 USD per pound (lb). These prices are based on reports from regions such as Crimea, Russia.
Data presented by Burga indicates that Samsung is the most popular smartphone brand in Russia, with a market share of 34% as of Q3 2021. China-based Xiaomi ranks second with a share of 26%. Apple comes a distant third with a share of 15% more than half compared to Samsung.
Russian mobile network MTS on Thursday morning was already selling the new iPhone 14 models on pre-order. Prices start from 84,990 roubles ($1,398) for the 128 GB version.
🇹🇷🇭🇺 Turkey and Hungary are moving to prohibit iPhones following China, Russia, and Indonesia's confirmation of irreversible Israeli spyware within Apple devices manufactured by Foxconn. The scandal is intensifying, prompting widespread bans.
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Apple does not directly operate any physical retail stores in Russia and distributes its products through local retailers. Apple also operates a Russian-language online store, though it has been known to suspend sales during past crises of Russian currency. The largest reseller of Apple products in Russia is re:Store.
The cost of the iPhone 16 Pro for a 128 GB memory configuration is 154.99 thousand rubles, for 256 GB — 169.99 thousand rubles, for 512 GB — 199.99 thousand rubles, for 1 TB — 229.99 thousand rubles.
iPhones generally last 4-10 years, with most users upgrading around 3-4 years for new features, but Apple provides long-term software support (often 6+ years of iOS updates and security patches), meaning hardware can last much longer, especially with battery replacements and care, often reaching 5-7 years or more of solid use before major performance drops or app incompatibility issues arise.
The cheapest way to buy an iPhone usually involves buying a refurbished or used model, looking for carrier deals with trade-ins, timing purchases around post-holiday sales (Jan-Mar) for older models, or opting for budget-friendly options like the older iPhone SE or standard models. Buying outright avoids long-term plan costs, but carriers offer low monthly payments with extended contracts and trade-in credits.
China Has The Highest Smartphone Addiction Rate
China also has the highest number of smartphone users globally, almost 1.5 times more than any other country.
While official Apple stores are gone, numerous physical retail stores across major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg now stock iPhones. These stores might be authorized resellers or operate through the parallel import channels.
In fact, iPhones in Russia, are now at least 10-15 per cent cheaper than anywhere in the EU. It's worth noting that this price reduction doesn't solely apply to iPhones but extends to other Apple products as well. These products are officially categorized as “unavailable” for purchase or delivery in Russia by Apple.
According to the Economist's Big Mac index, which looks at currency strength by comparing the price of the popular McDonald's menu item in countries around the world, the Russian Big Mac in normal times cost about 135 rubles, or just under $2.
Prices: At a modest restaurant, you can expect to pay about 500 roubles ($8) for a meal; at a mid-range restaurant, a three-course meal will cost around 2000 roubles ($35). A Business lunch option which includes a multi-course meal and a drink is offered at many restaurants – usually between 300-500 roubles.
Now, the least sold iPhone of all time was technically the first iPhone, however, this was the iPhone that started it all, so it makes sense why this iPhone wasn't the best selling iPhone of all time.
The iPhone 17 Pro Max, the larger variant of Apple's Pro phone that launches today along with the iPhone 17, 17 Pro and iPhone Air, costs $2,000 if buyers choose the version with two terabytes (2TB) of storage.