Consumers in Russia will no longer be able to buy Apple products via the company’s online store since the company has verified that it has ceased all product sales in Russia. A “delivery unavailable” message appears when attempting to add a product to the online shopping basket from the Russia store.
Ukraine’s vice-prime minister Mykhailo Fedorov asked Apple CEO Tim Cook for a ban on device sales and App Store access in Russia last week, and Apple agreed.
My plea is simple: if you want to keep Ukraine, Europe and the rest of the democratic world safe from deadly authoritarian assault from a bloodthirsty Russia, you must cease supplying Apple services and goods to the Russian Federation!
We’re certain that such activities will spur Russia’s young people and otherwise engaged populace to take action to halt this despicable act of military aggression.
To ensure the safety and security of Ukraine’s inhabitants, Apple has also halted all shipments into the nation, disabling Apple Maps’ traffic and live occurrences, and blocked all exports into the sales channel.
In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, we are gravely concerned and stand with all who have been affected. Humanitarian relief is a priority for us, and we’re doing all we can to help our colleagues in the area.
We’ve taken a variety of measures in reaction to the invasion. The sales of our products in Russia have been put on hold. Exports to our sales channel in the nation were halted at the end of last week. Services like Apple Pay and others have been restricted. Outside of Russia, RT News and Sputnik News are no longer accessible in the App Store. As an added measure of protection for Ukrainian users, we’ve blocked real-time traffic and incident information in Apple Maps in Ukraine. We’ll keep an eye on things and keep in touch with the appropriate governments about our plans. In the name of peace, we join people throughout the globe asking for it.
In a message to Apple workers, Cook reiterated the same points and included information on how the company’s employees may contribute. All contributions made since February 25 will be doubled by Apple, up to a maximum of $2 million.
As a little diversion, I’d like to examine the current situation in Ukraine.
I believe I speak for the whole Apple team when I say that we are all very saddened by the violence. It becomes clearer and clearer with each fresh picture of families fleeing and courageous individuals battling for their lives that peacemaking is a global effort.
As the refugee crisis worsens, Apple is giving to humanitarian initiatives and assisting those affected by the situation. To find out what more we can accomplish, we’re collaborating with other organisations. In order to help you make the most of your gifts, I know that many of you are looking for opportunities to become involved as well. For contributions made to qualified charities since February 25, Apple will match them two-to-one, starting today. This policy will apply to any donations made to those organisations throughout that time period. For additional information, please see the Employee Giving Portal.
We’re doing all we can to help our colleagues in Ukraine and the surrounding area. We’ve been in touch with each and every one of our employees in Ukraine, and we’re doing all we can to help them and their families. Please email [email protected] if you require assistance from outside of Ukraine. Additionally, if you or any of your coworkers need assistance, please visit the People webpage.
We are also taking further steps as a firm. The sales of our products in Russia have been put on hold. Exports to our sales channel in the nation were halted at the end of last week. Services like Apple Pay and others have been restricted. Outside of Russia, RT News and Sputnik News are no longer accessible in the App Store. As an added measure of protection for Ukrainian users, we’ve blocked real-time traffic and incident information in Apple Maps in Ukraine.
We’ll keep an eye on things, and we’re in touch with the appropriate governments about what we’re doing.
This is a time for us to unite, to be courageous, and to remember that we are all human. The fact that we are all committed to one other, our customers, and the greater good gives me a sense of security in these trying times.
The App Store is still available in Russia for now, but Apple Pay has been restricted and major Russian banks are unable to utilise the service. Additional efforts taken by Apple include removing RT News and Sputnik News from the App Store outside of Russia.
According to Cook, Apple is trying to help its employees in Ukraine and around the region, and that the business has been in touch with every employee in Ukraine to give assistance. Finally, he said that “this time calls for togetherness, bravery and reminds us that we must never lose sight of the humanity that we all share.” He concluded the letter with this statement.
As a result of U.S. sanctions on Russia that were put in place in February, Cook’s letter and Apple’s actions are in response. Apple’s answer seems to have been in response to Ukraine’s request, since sales were not halted at the time. Source