Apple has confirmed that it will stop processing payments in Russia starting April 1

Apple has officially announced that it will cease processing payments for purchases on the App Store and other media services within the Russian Federation effective April 1, 2026. 

According to updated information on the company’s support website, this decision will prevent users from making new purchases, paying for content within apps, and renewing existing subscriptions if they do not have sufficient funds in their account balance. The restrictions apply to Apple Music, iCloud+, Apple TV, Apple Arcade, and Apple Fitness+, as well as podcast subscriptions and purchases in the iTunes Store.

The decision to completely block payment gateways was made after Russian mobile operators, acting on instructions from the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, disabled the ability to top up Apple IDs from mobile phone accounts. Russian authorities explained this move as necessary to combat payments for VPN services, although experts also see it as an attempt to pressure Apple into reinstating Russian apps that were removed due to sanctions. Thus, the last legal method of paying for Apple services in the country has been permanently eliminated.

The company clarified that users will be able to use remaining account balances and previously purchased gift cards to pay for services until these funds are exhausted. If an iCloud+ subscription is canceled due to an inability to pay, Apple promises to preserve access to already uploaded data, allowing users to download photos and videos, though new backups will be suspended. All previously purchased apps and content will remain available for use and updates.

Telegram founder Pavel Durov publicly condemned Apple’s actions, which removed a number of VPN apps from the Russian section of its App Store. 

As a reminder, Durov commented on reports in the Russian media regarding the criminal case against him.