Fri Sep 20 13:32:10 UTC 2024: ## iPhone 16 Demand Booms in Russia Despite High Prices
**MOSCOW** – Despite being significantly more expensive than in the West, the new iPhone 16 has seen a 15% surge in pre-order demand in Russia compared to its predecessor, according to electronics retailer restore:.
The influx of iPhones into Russia is a result of the country’s legalization of “grey” or parallel imports, which allow goods to enter without the brands’ permission. This policy was implemented after Western companies, including Apple, imposed export bans in response to the Ukraine war.
restore: spokesperson Lyudmila Semushina confirmed that the iPhones arriving in Russia are sourced from various countries, though she declined to name them specifically. Countries that haven’t imposed sanctions against Moscow, such as Turkey, China, India, Kazakhstan, and former Soviet states, have seen a significant increase in trade with Russia since the conflict began.
While Apple has not commented on sales and pricing of the new model in Russia, retailers confirmed that pre-orders launched on September 10th, with physical sales expected to begin next week. However, Russian consumers will have to contend with significantly higher prices.
The 128GB iPhone 16 will start at 112,999 roubles ($1,225), over $400 more expensive than the US price of $799. The 1TB iPhone Pro Max is available for pre-order in Russia for 249,999 roubles ($2,710), compared to the US price of $1,599.
restore: has stopped tracking the premium Russian consumers pay for imported goods since the switch to parallel imports, citing fluctuating prices from different sellers. Semushina added that the company has had no contact with Apple since the conflict began.
Apple suspended all product sales in Russia in March 2022 and has also halted services like Apple Pay.
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