iPhone 14 to be available in Russia for buying

The new Apple iPhone14 to be sold in Russia despite the US tech company having left the country, according to a senior government official told the RIA Novosti news agency on Thursday. This is referring to the efforts of Russia’s parallel import scheme.

Russia informed that the scheme in March when its authorized retailers to import products from abroad without the permission of trademark owner.

Asked whether the new iPhone, disclosed by Apple on Wednesday, would be imported under the scheme.

“Why not? If consumers want to buy these phones, yes. There will be the opportunity.” Trade and Industry Minister Denis Manturov answered.

Apple stopped the new product sales in Russia in March, a week after Russia invaded Ukraine. Moreover, the iPhone, MacBook and other Apple goods have remained available in Russian stores as retailers sell down their remaining stock of old models and get hold of newly released devices through the import scheme.

Russi’s mobile network MTS on Thursday was earlier sold the new iPhone 14 models on pre-order. Prices of the 128 GB version start from 84,990 roubles ($1,398).

MTS insured that the delivery could take up to 120 days and it maintained the right to cancel orders if it faced difficulties importing the products.