Demand For IPhone 16 Preorders Increases In Russia Despite High Import Prices

The price of iPhones in Russia is much more expensive than in the United States. (photo: x @ferraru)

JAKARTA Although the price of the iPhone 16 is much higher than in Western countries, consumers in Russia remain enthusiastic about getting this latest model, with the preorder increasing 15% compared to last year.

The iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Pro are now available, and demand for Apple's latest smartphone looks high worldwide, including in Russia, despite much more expensive prices. According to a retailer, demand for the iPhone 16 remains significant. A spokesperson from electronics retailer Restore revealed that the preorder for the iPhone 16 is up 15% compared to the iPhone 15.

In fact, the price of the iPhone in Russia is much more expensive than in the United States. Since Apple stopped selling in Russia in March 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine, sales of Apple products in the country have become more difficult. Even though Apple has withdrawn, the iPhone is still imported through the "parallel" route without direct engagement from the company.

The iPhone unit is imported from countries such as Turkey, China, India, and several former Soviet countries that have not imposed sanctions on Russia. This black market activity makes the price of the iPhone in Russia soar to 50% more expensive than in the West. However, demand remains strong.

As an illustration, the iPhone 16 with a capacity of 128GB is sold at prices ranging from 112,999 rubles (Rp18.5), around 400 more expensive than the price in the United States of only US$799 (Rp12.1 million). Meanwhile, the iPhone 16 Pro Max with a capacity of 1TB can reach 249,999 rubles (Rp41 million), more than double the price in the US of only 1,599 (Rp24.2 million).

In addition to import problems, iPhone users in Russia also had difficulty using their devices after Apple withdrew Apple Pay services and removed banking apps from the App Store.

Meanwhile, the Russian government has repeatedly accused Apple of helping the United States of spying on its users, to Russia's Federal Security Service ordering thousands of officials to stop using iPhones and other Apple products.