Apple’s iPhone 17 Launches Amid Rising Demand in Russia
This past Saturday, Russian resellers unveiled Apple’s latest iPhone 17, coinciding with a notable surge in pre-orders reported by prominent retailer Restore.
The fervent appetite for Apple smartphones serves as a testament to consumer resilience in the face of Russia’s economic challenges. Despite 20-year-high interest rates and a staggering budget deficit exceeding 4 trillion roubles this year, the demand for these iconic devices remains robust.
Even amidst the cessation of Apple sales in 2022 and the suspension of services like Apple Pay due to Western sanctions following the Ukraine invasion, the allure of iPhones in Russia stubbornly persists. Notably, these devices often fetch higher prices than their counterparts in Western markets.
“This year, we have witnessed a remarkable 66% increase in pre-orders compared to last year,” remarked Lyudmila Semushina, PR director for Inventive Retail Group, which oversees Restore:.
“A vast loyal fan base exists that would never consider swapping their iPhone for any alternative,” Semushina asserted at the Restore: location in Afimall City, a striking architectural marvel nestled within Moscow’s International Business Centre, home to some of Europe’s tallest structures.
In a global rollout this week, Apple introduced the iPhone 17 series, featuring a revamped design, enhanced camera capabilities, and a novel Air model.
“Switching from my current phone to the iPhone Air is definitely on my mind. This is a significant upgrade,” stated customer Oleg Kochetkov, noting a growing trend among Russians towards using iPhones for FaceTime, particularly after government restrictions were placed on WhatsApp and Telegram’s calling functions.
“The array of new features captivates me, especially the upgraded cameras,” expressed tech blogger Sergei Yepikhin in a conversation with Reuters.
Yepikhin is contemplating a transition from an Android device to the iPhone Pro. Although he acknowledges that Android devices traditionally offer easier usability in Russia, he remains hopeful that local enterprises will devise solutions to facilitate seamless iPhone operation.
In response to the Apple Pay ban, Russian banks Sber and T-Bank have recently initiated contactless payment alternatives.
The newly displayed Apple products at Restore were designated for browsing only, with pre-orders available for imminent delivery.
“In the early stages, there is typically a slight shortage of new iPhones,” stated Semushina from Restore.
She clarified that the retailer’s supply chain is “quite stable,” though the added logistical expenses stemming from so-called ‘parallel imports’ have influenced the retail prices.
The entry-level 256 GB iPhone 17 is currently priced at 119,990 roubles ($1,437.08) on Restore’s online platform, which represents approximately 57% above the US retail price and 29% more than in Great Britain.
According to retailer M.Video Eldorado, Apple ranked as the leading smartphone brand by sales revenue in Russia for 2024; however, Xiaomi of China topped the unit sales chart. Reuters
Source link: Communicationstoday.co.in.
