Apple stops product sales in Russia, removes RT and Sputnik from App Store

Several Big Tech companies are taking action over the war in Russia.

Apple joined the response to the conflict.

According to Apple, the company has stopped all product sales in Russia, and those who attempt to buy an Apple product from its online store are given a delivery date that is currently unavailable.

The use of Apple Pay has been limited.

Apple has taken it a step further by blocking Russian state-media outlets in the EU. Russia Today and Sputnik News have been removed from the App Store outside of Russia.

In addition, Apple has removed traffic and live incidents from Apple Maps in Ukraine as a precautionary measure for Ukrainian citizens.

The entire statement can be read below.

We are deeply concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand with all of the people who are suffering as a result of the violence. We are supporting humanitarian efforts, providing aid for the unfolding refugee crisis, and doing all we can to support our teams in the region. 

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. RT News and Sputnik News are no longer available for download from the App Store outside Russia. And we have disabled both traffic and live incidents in Apple Maps in Ukraine as a safety and precautionary measure for Ukrainian citizens. 

We will continue to evaluate the situation and are in communication with relevant governments on the actions we are taking. We join all those around the world who are calling for peace.