Many people are curious about the form in which Apple will allow Russian software to be pre-installed. Is the pre-installed form the same as the pre-installed method commonly used in Android systems?

It is reported that from April 1st, when Russian users purchase a new iPhone, iPad or Mac, during the first activation process, Apple will pop up a special reminder pop-up window prompting users to enter the new page of the app store to install Russian local development Provider’s software instead of installing the App directly on the phone. In addition, Russian users can also choose No, skip all or part of the recommended pre-installed software.

This is quite different from the common pre-installation of the Android system: the Android system usually pre-installs the App directly on the new machine, while Apple will only pop up a prompt window to give the user the right to choose.

In addition to the initial reminder, Apple is considering adding a section to the Russian App Store to promote software from local Russian developers.

Why did Apple compromise with Russia?

Apple has always attached great importance to the security of electronic devices, adopted a proprietary iOS operating system, and pursued a relatively closed business model. It has also conducted strict audits and supervision of products on the App Store. Apple's compromise with Russia this time is really unusual. So, for what reason did Apple compromise with the fighting nation?

According to the latest research report released by Counterpoint Research, in Q4 of 2020, Xiaomi mobile phones occupy the first place in the Russian mobile phone market, gaining 31% of the market share; Samsung second, gaining 27% of the market share; Apple with 15.5% Ranked third in market share.

In an environment where the smartphone market is dominated by overseas companies, Russia aims to help information technology companies compete with foreign companies, effectively increasing the market share of local software in the information technology market, and eliminating the need for consumers to purchase new devices. Downloading a large amount of software, it introduced a new consumer protection law and will take effect on April 1. The government decree stipulates that smartphones, tablets, computers and smart TVs sold in Russia must be pre-installed in the following 16 categories Russian domestic software:

Browser
search engine;
Social media APP;
Instant messaging APP;
Email service;
Mapping and navigation services;
voice assistant;
News aggregator
anti-virus software;
Office Software;
Audiovisual service APP;
Online broadcasting APP for users to upload content;
Payment system "Mir" APP;
Cloud storage
Public service "Gosuslugi" APP;
Software used to obtain resources of socially significant Internet services (specific catalogs approved by the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation), including software used to obtain the soaring popularity of the Russian domestic APP catalog.


After the implementation of this Russian law, companies such as Xiaomi, Samsung, and Huawei have responded positively. Apple has said that the law may lead to a change in Apple's business model in Russia, and has not yet made a clear decision. According to third-party media analysis, Apple’s positive response today is mainly due to the above two factors: 1. Apple’s smartphone market share in the Russian market is still rising steadily; 2. Russia’s new consumer protection law enforcement date It's near.