Users in Russia have experienced a sharp deterioration in access to Apple’s official website and the App Store. The changes, which began late last week, were first noted by the publication Verstka.
Data from the international research project OONI show that the number of anomalous connections to the company’s services began rising on Thursday, July 16. In the days that followed, the availability of Apple’s website fell to roughly 30–40%, while the App Store’s dropped to 60%. No comparable disruption has been recorded in other countries.
The widespread problems are also confirmed by the service Sboy.rf. Complaints about the App Store have increased markedly since July 16, with reports coming from regions across Russia.
Google Play is currently accessible in Russia in roughly 40–50% of attempts. Unlike Apple’s services, however, Google’s store has been experiencing an elevated number of anomalous connections for several months, according to OONI charts.
Verstka believes the new pattern may indicate that Russian authorities have partially restricted access to the App Store. On July 14, Roskomnadzor told Interfax that it was not blocking Apple or Google services.
The access problems were preceded by the removal of Russian apps from foreign digital stores. In early June, Apple removed the Max messaging app from the App Store, attributing the decision to international sanctions without specifying which ones.
Several weeks later, other apps belonging to the VK holding company also disappeared from the store. On July 13, the European Union imposed sanctions on the company itself and its subsidiary Communication Platform, which developed Max. Several days later, Google also removed the holding company’s apps from Google Play.
Russia Tried to Block VPNs—and Accidentally Took Down Banking Apps Across the Country
Putin’s Approval Rating Has Been Falling at a Record Pace Since Spring