Apple Halts In-App Purchases and Subscriptions in Russia Amid Sanctions
As of April 1, 2026, Apple has ceased processing payments for the App Store and other services in Russia. This decision prevents users from making new purchases or renewing subscriptions unless they have existing funds in their Apple Account balance. The change affects a broad spectrum of digital services within Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple confirmed this update through a support document, explaining that Russian users can still utilize any remaining balance in their Apple Account for purchases and subscription renewals. Additionally, previously purchased App Store codes can still be redeemed.
Services Affected:
This restriction impacts multiple Apple services, including:
– Apple Arcade
– Apple Fitness+
– Apple Music
– Apple Podcasts subscriptions
– Apple One
– App Store purchases and subscriptions
– Apple TV purchases and subscriptions
– iTunes Store purchases
– iCloud+
– Ringtone and tone purchases
Users will retain access to apps and content they have already purchased and, in many cases, can continue updating those apps. Active subscriptions will automatically end if Apple cannot process payments due to this restriction.
Apple has assured that iCloud data will remain accessible even after an iCloud+ subscription expires, allowing users to manage storage and download their files without losing access.
This move follows pressure from Russian authorities after Apple removed certain local apps due to sanctions, directly impacting how users in the region access paid digital services on Apple platforms.
