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Apple disables payments in Russia

MacDailyNews

Apr 2

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Apple has officially updated its support documentation to reflect major changes to billing for users in Russia. As of April 1, 2026, payment processing is no longer available for new purchases and subscriptions on the App Store and other Apple Media Services in Russia.

This means Russian users can no longer make new App Store purchases, in-app purchases, or renew subscriptions for services like:

• Apple Arcade
• Apple Fitness+
• Apple Music
• Apple Podcasts
• Apple One
• Apple TV
• iCloud+
• iTunes Store purchases
• Ringtones & Tones

…unless they have sufficient funds already loaded in their Apple Account balance.

What This Means for Users in Russia

• New purchases and renewals are blocked without pre-existing Apple Account balance funds.
• Existing subscriptions may end if Apple cannot bill them, potentially resulting in loss of access to paid content.
• Previously purchased apps, music, movies, and other content remain accessible.
• Users can still update owned apps and redeem App Store & iTunes Gift Cards or codes.
• For iCloud+, even after a subscription ends, users can manage storage and download their photos and videos.

Apple’s support page explicitly states: “New purchases, including in-app purchases and subscription renewals, are no longer available in Russia unless you have funds in your Apple Account balance.”

Workarounds and Alternatives

Apple recommends the following options for affected users:

• Use any existing Apple Account balance to continue making purchases and renewing subscriptions.
• Redeem App Store & iTunes Gift Cards (if you have them).
• Download previously purchased content and back up iCloud data while access is still possible.

Detailed guides are linked in Apple’s document for redeeming codes and managing storage.

While Apple’s support page does not state a reason for the change, recent reports indicate the restriction follows actions by Russian authorities. Russia’s Ministry of Digital Development reportedly instructed major mobile operators (MTS, Beeline, MegaFon, Tele2) to disable top-ups of Apple ID accounts via mobile phone balances starting April 1. This move appears aimed at limiting payments for VPN services and/or pressuring Apple regarding App Store availability of certain Russian apps removed due to sanctions.

The timing aligns perfectly: Apple’s policy update and the mobile top-up block both took effect on April 1, 2026.

Refunds and Consumer Rights

Users who believe they are eligible for a refund on apps or content can request one via reportaproblem.apple.com. Refund eligibility depends on Apple’s terms and local consumer protection laws.

MacDailyNews Note: This development further restricts Apple’s digital ecosystem in Russia following the company’s 2022 decision to suspend sales and certain services in response to the situation in Ukraine. International payment methods have long been limited due to sanctions, and the mobile carrier top-up option had served as a key workaround for many users.

Apple has not issued a public statement beyond the support page at the time of writing.

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