New Apple iPhone will be available in Russia, trade minister says

Russians can have the possibility to purchase the brand new Apple iPhone 14 regardless of the US tech firm having left the nation because of Moscow‘s parallel import scheme, a senior authorities official advised the RIA Novosti information company on Thursday.

Russia introduced the scheme in March when it authorised retailers to import merchandise from overseas with out the trademark proprietor’s permission.

Requested whether or not the brand new iPhone, unveiled by Apple on Wednesday, could be imported underneath the scheme, Commerce and Business Minister Denis Manturov stated: “Why not? If customers wish to purchase these telephones, sure. There would be the alternative.”

Apple halted new product sales in Russia in March, every week after Russia invaded Ukraine, although the iPhone, MacBook and different Apple items have remained obtainable in Russian shops as retailers promote down their remaining inventory of outdated fashions and pay money for newly launched units by way of the import scheme.

Russian cellular community MTS on Thursday morning was already promoting the brand new iPhone 14 fashions on pre-order. Costs begin from 84,990 roubles ($1,398) for the 128GB model.

MTS stated supply might take as much as 120 days and it retained the proper to cancel orders if it confronted difficulties importing the merchandise.

Apple didn’t instantly reply to a request to remark.

Manturov, who can be a deputy prime minister, stated final month that the scheme, which covers Western merchandise starting from luxurious garments to vehicles, might attain $16 billion in worth this yr, equal to round 4% of Russia’s 2021 imports.

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