Russia cuts mobile‑billing top‑ups for Apple ID, leaving millions of iPhone users with fewer payment options

What happened

It has been reported that, from April 1, Russian iPhone users can no longer top up their Apple ID using mobile‑account billing through carriers. Russian outlets RIA Novosti and RBC say the four major telecoms were ordered to disable the function after a March 28 meeting with Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev. The move removes a payments route many Russians adopted after Western payment links were severed in 2022.

Who is affected and why

MTS and VimpelCom (Beeline) had offered direct carrier billing for subscriptions and in‑app purchases, while T2 Mobile and MegaFon provided similar services via partners. Apple suspended operations in Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine; Apple Pay stopped working with sanctioned banks and Mir cards were blocked in March 2022. As a result, it has been reported that many users shifted away from banks to carrier billing — with iOS holding roughly 40–42% of the market in 2022–24 and Apple devices making up about 22% of MTS’s base.

Alternatives and outlook

Physical Apple gift cards are no longer sold domestically, and digital redemption codes can be purchased through intermediaries at a 15–20% premium, though they must be region‑locked to Russia. It has been reported that regulators have not clarified whether the ban will extend to those digital gift codes. With sanctions, trade restrictions and the tech exit still shaping Russia’s payments landscape, where will Russians find reliable ways to pay for apps and subscriptions? The answer remains uncertain.