Oliver Haslam·

Apple Begins Showing List Of Russian Apps To Install During iPhone Set Up To Comply With Local Law

Apple recently agreed that it would follow Russian legislation by preinstalling local software on iPhones when they ship in the country. That caused quite the stir, and now Apple has made good on its promise.

However, things aren’t quite as bad as many of us had first feared.

For example, Apple isn’t actually pre-installing anything on Russian iPhones but is instead telling users that they can install local apps themselves. A list of Russian apps is then presented.

Most notable is the way Apple makes it clear to users that it is only following Russian law when displaying the list and that it isn’t something it is doing as any sort of promotion.

“In compliance with Russian legal requirements, here are some apps from Russian developers that you may download.”

Apps mentioned include Yandex Browser, Yandex.Maps, Yandex.Disk, and more. ICQ, a once-popular instant messaging service, is also mentioned.

It’s likely that the apps mentioned on this list will change over time, possibly due to pressure from Russian authorities. It’s likely they will also be less than pleased with the copy Apple uses to explain why Russian users are now seeing an additional step during the setup process.

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