Russia's antitrust regulator has opened a formal case against Apple over the company's failure to preinstall the state-backed MAX messenger and Ru Store app marketplace on its devices sold in the country. Since 2019, when Russia passed a law requiring device makers to offer domestic apps, Apple and Russian authorities have been in a prolonged dispute. Apple reached a partial arrangement in 2021, showing a list of recommended Russian apps during setup rather than installing them automatically.

After Russia invaded Ukraine, Apple halted sales and removed several Russian apps, citing sanctions. Russia then mandated MAX and Ru Store preinstallation, which Apple did not comply with. In June, Apple removed MAX from the Russian App Store, prompting Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service to issue a July 15 deadline.

Apple partially complied by allowing a Russian search engine on iOS 26.6 but did not address MAX and Ru Store requirements. Now Russia has opened a formal case, with penalties unclear. Reuters reported that Russia previously calculated Google owed approximately $20 decillion in accumulated penalties related to YouTube sanctions disputes.