Apple halts App Store payments in Russia

Apple has suspended payment processing for digital purchases and subscriptions across its ecosystem in Russia, effectively limiting transactions on the App Store and related services as of April 1, 2026.

Under the change, users in Russia are no longer able to complete new purchases, in-app transactions, or subscription renewals unless they have an existing balance in their Apple account. Any remaining funds can still be used until depleted, but standard billing methods are no longer supported.

The restriction applies across Apple’s portfolio of digital services, including Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness+, iCloud+, and podcast subscriptions, as well as purchases through iTunes and other App Store-based offerings.

Existing subscriptions will remain active only while billing can be completed using available account funds. Once those balances are exhausted, subscriptions will lapse, potentially cutting off access to paid content and services. Apple stated that previously purchased apps and media will remain accessible, and users will still be able to download owned content or update installed applications.

For cloud services, the company indicated that user data stored in iCloud will not be deleted if a subscription ends. Customers will retain access to their files and can manage or export their data, although storage limits may apply after subscription expiration.

The move follows broader operational constraints in the Russian market and is reportedly linked to regulatory pressure tied to app availability on the App Store. Apple has previously removed certain applications to comply with international sanctions, and the latest restrictions on payments could further impact its services revenue in the region.