iPhone 17 Makes Unexpected Appearance in Moscow Retailers

Author: Evelyn Baker Updated: 09-21-2025 01:57 AM

Apple's New iPhone 17 In Stores Without Official Sale

Despite Apple Inc.'s decision to pause sales in Russia as a result of geopolitical tensions, the latest iPhone 17 models have surprisingly appeared in various stores in Moscow. Due to the government's parallel imports initiative, these popular smartphones have reached Russian consumers through routes that circumvent the official ban.

Sanctions & Market Strategies

Since Apple ceased its operations in Russia, the company has stopped direct sales while also removing state-affiliated media applications from its global app platforms. Nevertheless, the parallel imports program has enabled the delivery of products from countries like Turkey, Kazakhstan, China, and the UAE, effectively bypassing the imposed sanctions. This method has allowed significant quantities of iPhones to flow into the Russian market.

Prior to the conflict in 2022, Apple had already faced regulatory scrutiny in Russia, including a $13.7 million fine imposed for violating antitrust laws related to its App Store operations.

Steady Demand in a Shifting Market

The excitement for the iPhone 17 is palpable, with reports indicating that demand has skyrocketed, doubling that of the iPhone 16's launch. State purchases of the iPhone 16 also soared, signifying a strong institutional interest in Apple’s offerings, despite the ongoing tensions.

Andrey Gubanov, the CEO of MTS, has expressed confidence in the upcoming launch, indicating plans for pre-orders to commence right after Apple's official announcement. There's high anticipation for how the iPhone 17 will perform, given that the previous model was highly successful.

The Success of the iPhone 17 Launch

Apple's iPhone 17 features an impressive 6.3-inch display and 256GB of base storage capacity, elements that are driving its popularity globally. In fact, recent analyses indicate remarkable pre-order performances in different markets, showcasing the strength of Apple’s brand.

Furthermore, investment banks have raised their financial outlooks for Apple, evidencing the company's robust market presence and ongoing innovation. This has positioned Apple favorably among its competitors within the technology sector.

Pricing Strategies Under Import Constraints

Interestingly, the pricing for the iPhone 17 in Russia is significantly elevated, with MTS listing the standard model at approximately £977—far above Apple's official U.S. retail price of $799. Accentuating this disparity, the iPhone 17 Pro fetches prices around £1,465, showcasing the impact of import limitations on retail strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the iPhone 17 available in Moscow despite the sales ban?

Apple's official sales were halted, but parallel imports have allowed these devices to be sold through alternative channels.

What impacts have there been from the sanctions on Apple's operations?

Sanctions have forced Apple to cease direct sales and close off access to certain apps, yet the demand for products remains strong through alternative channels.

How is the demand for the iPhone 17 compared to previous models?

Demand for the iPhone 17 has reportedly doubled compared to the iPhone 16, reflecting continued interest despite geopolitical issues.

What are the key features of the iPhone 17?

The iPhone 17 boasts a larger 6.3-inch display, enhanced storage options, and improved performance metrics that appeal to consumers.

How are pricing strategies affected in the Russian market?

Due to import restrictions, prices in Russia for iPhones are marked up significantly compared to U.S. prices, reflecting the challenges in bringing products into the market.

About The Author

Greetings, I'm 32-year-old author and financial specialist Evelyn Baker. My introduction into the financial industry started with an economics degree and continued with a wealth of experience in wealth management and financial consulting. My great passion over the years has been assisting people and companies in making wise, well-informed decisions to reach their financial objectives.

My goal with writing is to simplify difficult financial ideas into understandable, doable guidance. My goal in writing many books and articles is to make personal finance understandable to everyone, irrespective of their experience or background. I want to give readers the information they need to take charge of their financial futures, from investing and retirement planning to budgeting and saving.

Along with my writing, I lead webinars and workshops where I provide doable advice and methods for achieving financial success. To reach a larger audience, I also frequently contribute to financial blogs and publications. My method is always to offer doable, real-world guidance that can actually improve people's lives.

Aside from my job, I like to cook, travel, and experience other cultures. I work hard to apply my belief in the value of a balanced life to my financial counsel. My goal in working is to encourage and enable people to succeed financially so they may lead the best lives possible.

Contact Evelyn Baker privately here. Or send an email with ATTN: Evelyn Baker as the subject to contact@investorshangout.com.

About Investors Hangout

Investors Hangout is a leading online stock forum for financial discussion and learning, offering a wide range of free tools and resources. It draws in traders of all levels, who exchange market knowledge, investigate trading tactics, and keep an eye on industry developments in real time. Featuring financial articles, stock message boards, quotes, charts, company profiles, and live news updates. Through cooperative learning and a wealth of informational resources, it helps users from novices creating their first portfolios to experts honing their techniques. Join Investors Hangout today: https://investorshangout.com/

The content of this article is based on factual, publicly available information and does not represent legal, financial, or investment advice. Investors Hangout does not offer financial advice, and the author is not a licensed financial advisor. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial or investment decisions based on this article. This article should not be considered advice to purchase, sell, or hold any securities or other investments. If any of the material provided here is inaccurate, please contact us for corrections.