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iPhone Setup Process in Russia Now Includes List of Suggested Russian Developed Apps

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A few weeks after Apple agreed to allow Russia to show iPhone users in the country suggested apps created by Russian developers, Russian users are seeing the list of app suggestions when setting up a new device.

russian-app-store.jpg

As noted by Khaos Tian on Twitter, Russian users will see an App Store section featuring apps like Yandex Browser, Yandex Maps, ICQ, VK, and others during the iPhone startup process.


"In compliance with Russian legal requirements, here are some apps from Russian developers that you may download," reads the text of the popup, which resembles an App Store "Today" view card.

After going through standard iPhone setup procedures like setting light/dark mode, turning on True Tone, and adjusting Display Zoom, Russian users are directed to the list of apps that they can choose to download. Downloading the apps is optional and not required, and the apps are not installed automatically.

According to Russian site iPhones.ru, the App Store suggestions have been implemented server side, so Russian users will see them with no iOS update required. Users can choose the apps they want to install by tapping "Get," or can skip out of the screen without installing anything by tapping the "X."

Apple agreed to display the list of apps to comply with a law established by Russia's Ministry of Digital Affairs. The law requires software to be preinstalled on all devices sold in Russia, including smartphones, tablets, desktops, and smart TVs.

Apple said on March 16 that the app suggestions would be provided starting on April 1, and in addition to the apps listed during setup, Apple may also add a new section in the App Store that's dedicated to promoting Russian apps.

Article Link: iPhone Setup Process in Russia Now Includes List of Suggested Russian Developed Apps
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2021/04/01/iphone-setup-russia-government-approved-apps/
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i can tell you what ain’t on that list: TOR, NordVPN, or any true privacy enabling mechanism.
No doubt that Vladimir Putin’s got his own version of Dropbox for Russia to use as cloud for their digital life. But I think you’d have to be an absolute moron to believe that any of those state sanctioned apps are truly private and not collecting user data by the truckload.
 
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Strange. The article says the law requires software to be preinstalled on all devices sold in Russia. This is merely a pop-up with suggestions. While I obviously prefer Apple’s implementation, it seems to be an exception to what is actually required.

If such a pop-up promotes local and safe alternatives to US dominant apps that spy on you (Facebook) or funnel money outside local economies (Amazon), I’m all for it. However, I’m not sure what exactly is behind the intend here. If this were a EU policy, I would applaud it.
 
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FireFish said:
i can tell you what ain’t on that list: TOR, NordVPN, or any true privacy enabling mechanism.
No doubt that Vladimir Putin’s got his own version of Dropbox for Russia to use as cloud for their digital life. But I think you’d have to be an absolute moron to believe that any of those state sanctioned apps are truly private and not collecting user data by the truckload.
Click to expand...

Well maybe. I think Truckloads of data are also already collected by Google and Facebook - so is this worse I don't know.

I think the main difference you might be getting from the suggested apps would be things like recognition of Crimea in the maps. What else really?
 
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I like the idea behind this. Although I like the fact that Apple are closed off in some areas, regarding different payment methods or alternative App stores, I like the idea of adding customisable layers to the phone based on geographical region. Just like the cultural and racial diversity that exists in different parts of the world, the digital experience should reflect the culture in which it is being used, instead of us all falling under a single *Terms of Use* agreement or single shade of "speech" rules, I think regions should be able to add layers of exception to atone for cultural sensitivities and differences.

E.g One country/region might have a population that think 1 way about speech, or what they define as "hate speech", and another region may have a population that are more open to conflicting/controvertial types of speech and each of these communities (or at the minimum countries) should have the ability to add layers to reflect their culture in the tech they are using, and I hope Apple continue down this path of allowing regional customisation.

The enemy of true diversity is homogeneity.
 
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MacRumors said:


A few weeks after Apple agreed to allow Russia to show iPhone users in the country government-approved suggested apps, Russian users are seeing the list of app suggestions when setting up a new device.

russian-app-store.jpg

As noted by Khaos Tian on Twitter, Russian users will see an App Store section featuring apps like Yandex Browser, Yandex Maps, ICQ, VK, and others during the iPhone startup process.


"In compliance with Russian legal requirements, here are some apps from Russian developers that you may download," reads the text of the popup, which resembles an App Store "Today" view card.

After going through standard iPhone setup procedures like setting light/dark mode, turning on True Tone, and adjusting Display Zoom, Russian users are directed to the list of apps that they can choose to download. Downloading the apps is optional and not required, and the apps are not installed automatically.

Apple agreed to display the list of apps to comply with a law established by Russia's Ministry of Digital Affairs. The law requires software to be preinstalled on all devices sold in Russia, including smartphones, tablets, desktops, and smart TVs.

Apple said on March 16 that the app suggestions would be provided starting on April 1, and in addition to the apps listed during setup, Apple may also add a new section in the App Store that's dedicated to promoting Russian apps.

Article Link: iPhone Setup Process in Russia Now Includes List of Suggested Government Approved Apps
Click to expand...

ICQ?

ICQ!! Awesome haven’t heard nor used this since the Dawn of the internet (prior to msn or aol messengers)!

I’d love to see what it’s like today if it’s been modernized.

“uh-oh”! Quick somebody make that into an iOS sms ringtone alert fast. Please!!
 
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