Russia's Digital Development Ministry is discussing 5G functionality for iPhone users with Apple. Ministry Head Maksut Shadayev confirmed these talks. Apple ceased direct dealings with Russian mobile carriers after exiting the market. This exit 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 process requires network testing and carrier approval. Apple's departure severed this cooperation channel. Russia launched commercial 5G networks in 16 cities on September 11. Android devices can access these networks. Apple smartphones cannot.