Preorders for Apple’s iPhone 16 in Russia have jumped by 15% compared to last year’s iPhone 15. Despite higher prices caused by parallel imports, Russian consumers are eager for the new devices. This rise in demand shows that Apple products remain popular, even though the company stopped official sales in Russia.
Surge in iPhone 16 Preorders
Retailers in Russia have reported a significant increase in iPhone 16 preorders, up 15% from last year’s model. This surge comes despite the fact that the new iPhones cost much more than in other countries. Restore, a major electronics retailer, confirmed that demand for the iPhone 16 is strong.
High Prices Due to Parallel Imports
Since Apple halted operations in Russia in 2022, the country has allowed parallel imports. This means products, including iPhones, can be brought into Russia without the company’s permission. iPhones are now imported from countries like Turkey and China. The 128GB iPhone 16 costs 112,999 roubles (about $1,225), which is over $400 more than the U.S. price of $799. The high-end iPhone 16 Pro Max, with 1TB of storage, is priced at 249,999 roubles ($2,710) in Russia, compared to $1,599 in the U.S..
Apple’s Continued Presence in Russia
Even though Apple no longer operates directly in Russia, its products are still available through parallel imports. Russian consumers face higher prices and the loss of services like Apple Pay, which Apple discontinued. However, these challenges haven’t stopped the demand for new iPhones.
Despite the higher costs, iPhone 16 preorders in Russia have increased. The strong interest in Apple’s latest devices shows that Russian consumers are still willing to pay premium prices to own the newest technology.
