Despite ongoing tensions between Russia and the West, demand for the new iPhone in Russia is reportedly 15% higher than for its predecessor, according to a reseller. This surge in interest comes despite the phone being at least 50% more expensive than in Western markets. The iPhones are being sold through “parallel” imports, a practice that has become essential for Russian consumers as Western companies, including Apple, imposed export bans in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Since 2022, Western companies have pulled out of Russia or imposed severe restrictions on their sales, prompted by sanctions from the U.S. and Europe aimed at punishing Moscow for its actions in Ukraine. Among these companies, Apple, the maker of the iPhone, halted all product sales in Russia and suspended key services like ApplePay, cutting off direct access to one of the world’s most recognizable tech brands. In response, Russia legalized parallel imports, a system that allows goods to enter the country without the approval of the manufacturer.

The parallel import system has become a lifeline for Russian retailers and consumers who still seek access to Western products. Electronics retailer restore: confirmed that iPhones arriving for sale this month were sourced from “all over” the world. While specific countries were not named, many nations that have maintained trade relations with Russia—such as Turkey, China, India, Kazakhstan, and other former Soviet states—have seen significant growth in trade since the war began.

Lyudmila Semushina, a spokesperson for restore:, highlighted the rise in demand for the iPhone 16, despite the much higher costs compared to Western markets. “Comparing with last year’s pre-order, demand is 15% higher than pre-orders were for the iPhone 15,” Semushina told reporters, indicating that enthusiasm for Apple products remains strong among Russian consumers.

While demand may be high, Russian consumers must pay significantly more than their Western counterparts. Retailer M.Video stated that prices for the new iPhone 16 would start at 112,999 roubles (approximately $1,225) for the 128GB model, a stark contrast to the U.S. price of $799. The 1TB iPhone Pro Max, meanwhile, is available for pre-order at a staggering 249,999 roubles ($2,710), far above its U.S. counterpart’s price of $1,599.

The increase in demand despite these price hikes illustrates a broader trend of Russian consumers adapting to the realities of war and sanctions. Semushina explained that the company no longer makes official calculations on the price premiums Russian customers pay due to the introduction of parallel imports. “There is an official retailer’s price, and there are prices of grey sellers—those who bring their hardware in suitcases—so prices may vary,” she said.

While Russia’s access to major Western brands remains restricted, parallel imports have allowed consumers to stay connected to global markets, albeit at a higher cost. However, the growing demand for premium goods like iPhones suggests that, for now, Russia’s middle class remains willing to pay these premiums, even as the geopolitical standoff between Russia and the West shows no signs of abating.

(Adapted from ThePrint.in)