Russian Resellers Launch Apple’s iPhone 17 Amid Rising Demand
MOSCOW (Reuters) – On Saturday, Russian resellers introduced Apple’s latest innovation, the iPhone 17, in retail spaces, as the major retailer Restore reported a significant surge in pre-orders this year.
The robust appetite for Apple smartphones suggests that consumer enthusiasm for coveted products remains vigorous, even as Russia grapples with a broader economic contraction. Currently, the nation faces the highest interest rates in two decades and a staggering budget deficit exceeding 4 trillion roubles this year.
Notably, the iPhone’s allure persists in Russia despite Apple having ceased sales in 2022 and halting services such as Apple Pay in response to Western sanctions following the Ukraine invasion. Moreover, prices for these devices in Russia are notably inflated compared to those in Western markets.
“This year we have observed a remarkable 66% increase in pre-orders relative to last year,” remarked Lyudmila Semushina, PR director for Inventive Retail Group, the parent company of tech retailer Restore.
“An immense fan base exists, one that would never opt for anything but an iPhone,” Semushina stated at the Restore outlet in Afimall City, a remarkable venue nestled within the ultramodern Moscow International Business Centre, flanked by some of Europe’s tallest skyscrapers.
The U.S. technological powerhouse recently launched the iPhone 17 globally, showcasing a revamped design, upgraded cameras, and the latest Air model.
“I am contemplating a switch from my current device to the iPhone Air. This represents a substantial upgrade,” expressed customer Oleg Kochetkov. He noted that Russians are increasingly relying on iPhones for FaceTime following government restrictions on WhatsApp and Telegram calling services.
“Numerous new features capture my attention, particularly the camera improvements,” tech blogger Sergei Yepikhin conveyed to Reuters.
Yepikhin mentioned he is weighing a transition from Android to the iPhone Pro, acknowledging the relative ease of using Android devices in Russia while expressing hopes for local companies to create solutions that facilitate smoother iPhone interactions.
In a bid to circumvent the Apple Pay prohibition, Russia’s Sber and T-Bank have recently unveiled contactless payment alternatives.
The new Apple devices exhibited at Restore over the weekend were available solely for browsing, with customers afforded the opportunity to secure pre-orders for forthcoming delivery.
“A slight shortage of new iPhones is typical during the initial phase,” Semushina from Restore: stated.
She elaborated that while the retailer’s supply chain remains “relatively stable,” the additional logistical expenses associated with ‘parallel imports’ have influenced retail pricing.
The base model of the 256 GB iPhone 17 is currently priced at 119,990 roubles ($1,437.08) on Restore’s online platform, which represents an approximate 57% markup over the U.S. retail price and 29% higher than prices in Great Britain.
Source link: Ca.finance.yahoo.com.
