When the iPhone 14 launched in Russia (via parallel imports after Apple halted sales), prices started around 84,990 rubles (about $1,400 USD at the time) for the base 128GB model, but prices varied significantly due to import schemes and scarcity, with higher-end models costing much more, reflecting Russia's premium market for iPhones.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For instance, the 128GB iPhone 16 is priced at 112,999 roubles ($1,225) in Russia, compared to $799 in the US. Similarly, the 1TB iPhone 16 Pro Max is available for pre-order at 249,999 roubles ($2,710), over $1,000 more than the US price of $1,599, as per the Reuters article.
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.
AAPL officially stopped selling in Russia after the 2022 Ukraine invasion, the tech giant's iPhone 17 models are now available in Moscow stores. These new smartphones have reached Russian buyers through the government's parallel imports initiative.
The basic 256 GB iPhone 17 is listed at 119,990 roubles ($1,437.08) on Restore:'s online store, about 57% more than the U.S. retail price, and 29% more than Great Britain's. Apple was the top smartphone brand by sales revenue in Russia in 2024 according to retailer M.
The United States and United Arab Emirates are the cheapest country to buy iPhone 17 due to lower taxes and competitive pricing. Japan and Hong Kong are also attractive options for the base and Pro models.
You may have heard about the iPhone 14's ability to resist water and other forms of moisture. The operative word is resist, however. While the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max are all water-resistant, they are not fully waterproof. While these words sound interchangeable, they aren't.
iPhones have sold for over $100,000, primarily factory-sealed, first-generation 4GB models from 2007, considered "Holy Grail" collectibles due to extreme rarity, with one selling for nearly $200,000 in 2023. Luxury customized versions by companies like Caviar, featuring gold and diamonds (like the iPhone 11 Pro), also reach this price point, but the highest values are for original, unopened iPhones.
An iPhone hit the $2,000 price point with the iPhone 17 Pro Max (2TB variant in late 2025), catering to heavy professional users, but the base models remain much cheaper, while the original 2007 iPhone started at $499 (4GB) or $599 (8GB) with a contract, and rare sealed first-gen iPhones now sell for over $100,000 at auction.
The retail price range in Russian ruble for apples is between RUB 66.12 and RUB 133.77 per kilogram or between RUB 29.99 and RUB 60.67 per pound(lb) in Moscow and St Petersburg.
Then the iPhone 13 is your best bet. It is also able to withstand an average of 9 hours of additional use compared to the iPhone 12, which may be better suited to your daily needs. Otherwise, the iPhone 12 is still an excellent smartphone, and the performance differences between these two models are minimal.
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 128GB version.
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.
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.
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Whether you are planning a vacation or a business trip, staying connected is crucial nowadays. Fortunately, Russia is well-equipped with numerous Wi-Fi hotspots in various places, so you don't have to worry about losing touch with the world.