Russia bans officials from using iPhones, here’s why

In March 2022 — days after Russia invaded Ukraine — Apple decided to halt the sales of its products in Russia. The Tim Cook-led company cited deep concerns over the situation and said in a statement “We have taken a number of actions in response to the invasion. We have paused all product sales in Russia. Last week, we stopped all exports into our sales channel in the country. Apple Pay and other services have been limited.” Now, it looks like Russia is putting a ban on use of iPhones by government officials.

Concern over ‘Western Intelligence agencies’
According to a report by Reuters (via Kommersant news publication), any officials who will be “involved in preparations for Russia’s 2024 presidential election” have been banned from using the iPhone.