Apple’s decision to stop selling products in Russia puts pressure on other smartphone makers

Apple CEO Tim Cook delivers the keynote address during the 2020 Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) at Steve Jobs Theater in Cupertino, California.

Apple's decision to stop selling products in Russia puts pressure on other manufacturers to do the same, according to analysts.

Apple announced a number of actions in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. All Apple products on the company's online Russian storefront are unavailable for purchase or delivery in the country. There are no Apple stores in Russia.

The move puts pressure on other firms to follow, according to Ben Wood. CNBC asked for comment from the company, but they didn't immediately respond.

Wood said that it was important that Apple made a statement.

In countries around the world except for Russia, Apple has removed Russian state-controlled outlets from its App Store.

The tech giant is in a strong position to take actions that it has.

According to Counterpoint Research, Apple sold around 32 million iPhones in Russia last year, accounting for 15% of the market.

Anshel Sag, principal analyst at Moor Insights and Strategy, told CNBC that Apple's move could force others to follow suit.

The company's actions in Russia are unlikely to have a significant impact on the company, according to Wood.

Benedict Evans, a tech analyst and investor, said that financial sanctions may have made it difficult for Apple to sell its products in Russia. Apple stopped selling products in Turkey in November.

The ruble fell 30% on Tuesday, so it's not clear what price they need to charge for an iPhone, and the banking sanctions make it hard or impossible to transfer cash from sales there out of the country.

Evans said that Apple doesn't have a problem doing business in China, and that it's easier to stand on your principles when it's not 20% of your revenue.

On Tuesday, Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's deputy prime minister, called on Apple CEO Tim Cook to finish the job and block App Store access in Russia. He urged Microsoft and Sony to stop supporting Russian markets and to block all Russian accounts.

Companies around the world are pulling out of Russia because of sanctions. There is an opportunity for Chinese firms to push deeper into the country as Western nations withdraw support.

The Chinese are well established in Russia and trade links appear to remain open.