Russia's Digital Development Ministry is discussing 5G functionality for iPhone users with Apple. Ministry Head Maksut Shadayev confirmed the talks. Apple ceased direct dealings with Russian mobile carriers after exiting the market. This followed the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine. Apple products now enter Russia via parallel imports.
Apple activates 5G capabilities at the firmware level. This requires network testing and carrier approval. Apple's departure severed this cooperation channel. On September 11, Russia launched commercial 5G networks in 16 cities. Android devices accessed these networks. Apple smartphones did not.