Pre-sales of the new iPhone 16 launched in Russia – Reuters.

Russian retailers have started accepting pre-orders for the new iPhone, despite Apple's export ban. The price of the phone is higher than in the US. This information is reported by Reuters.

It is noted that foreign brands that do not export their goods to Russia find ways to reach Russian consumers through countries that have not imposed sanctions on Russia. Smartphones reach Russia through countries such as Turkey, Kazakhstan, China, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

Reuters was unable to determine the exact route through which the new iPhones reach Russia.

Interestingly, the demand for the new iPhone is higher than for previous models, despite its high price and Apple's official stance. It seems the "forbidden fruit" is very sweet for Russian consumers.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin continues to fight "Western influence," banning officials from using iPhones based on the fear that American intelligence agencies, as predicted, might monitor them through these smartphones. Apple, of course, denies such accusations.

It is worth noting that earlier Ukrainian customs officers seized a smuggled batch of iPhone 16s.