Apple Resolves Russian Fine for Alleged Dominance in In-App Payment Market

Russian authorities announced on Monday that Apple has settled a $13.65 million fine related to accusations of exploiting its dominant position in the in-app payments sector. The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) revealed that Apple completed the payment on January 19, with the funds directed to Russia’s federal budget.

This development follows Apple’s previous assertion of “respectful disagreement” with the ruling, where the FAS contended that Apple’s app distribution via its iOS operating system conferred an unfair advantage to its own products in the market.

This isn’t the first time Apple has faced regulatory penalties in Russia. In February 2023, the tech giant paid a fine exceeding $12 million in another antitrust case filed by the FAS, which focused on the company’s alleged abuse of dominance in the mobile apps domain.

The heightened scrutiny on Apple by Russian authorities coincided with the aftermath of Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine. During that period, Apple temporarily halted all product sales in Russia and restricted its Apple Pay service.