Russia: Apple stops exports, withdraws RT/Sputnik and cuts traffic in Maps

In addition to suspending sales in Russia, Apple has decided to take several actions related to exports, local media and its Maps app regarding real-time traffic and accidents.

Several measures of Apple regarding Russia

Apple stops exporting to Russia. It actually started last week, but the manufacturer is publicly revealing it today. There is also talk of removing Russian media apps RT and Sputnik from the App Store (outside of Russia). As for the Maps application, traffic and time accidents are cut in Ukraine.

here is declaration from Apple regarding its actions regarding Russia:

We are deeply concerned about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and we stand with all those who suffer from the violence. We are supporting humanitarian efforts, providing aid for the ongoing refugee crisis, and doing all we can to support our teams in the region.

We have taken a number of actions in response to the invasion. We have halted all product sales in Russia. Last week, we stopped all exports to our in-country sales channel. Apple Pay and other services have been restricted. RT News and Sputnik News are no longer available for download on the App Store outside of Russia. And we’ve disabled both traffic and live incidents in Apple Maps in Ukraine as a safety and precautionary measure for Ukrainian citizens.

We will continue to assess the situation and are in communication with the governments concerned on the measures we are taking. We join with all those around the world calling for peace.

A reaction to the invasion in Ukraine

A few days ago, Mykhailo Fedorov, the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, had asked Tim Cook that Apple stop the sale of its products in Russia and cut the App Store. The manufacturer has effectively ceased the sale of its products on the spot. The online Apple Store displays the message “Currently unavailable”. On the other hand, the App Store is still active. Russians can still download apps.