Russians will be able to buy the iPhone 14, says government official

Russians will have a chance to buy Apple’s new iPhone 14 despite the US tech company having left the country thanks to Moscow’s parallel import scheme, a senior government official told the RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday. fair (8).

Russia announced the scheme in March when it authorized retailers to import products from abroad without the permission of the brand owner.

Asked whether the new iPhone, unveiled by Apple on Wednesday, would be imported under the scheme, Trade and Industry Minister Denis Manturov said: “Why not? If consumers want to buy these phones, yes. There will be the opportunity.”

Apple halted sales of new products in Russia in March, a week after Russia invaded Ukraine, although the iPhone, MacBook and other Apple products remained available in Russian stores as retailers sell off their remaining stock of models. and take possession of newly released devices through the import regime.

The Russian mobile network MTS on Thursday morning was already selling the new iPhone 14 models in pre-sale.

Prices start at 84,990 rubles ($1,398) for the 128GB version.

MTS said delivery can take up to 120 days and has retained the right to cancel orders if it has difficulties importing the products.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Manturov, who is also deputy prime minister, said last month that the scheme, which covers Western goods ranging from luxury clothing to cars, could reach $16 billion in value this year, the equivalent of about $4 billion. % of Russian imports in 2021.