VTsIOM: every second smartphone owner in Russia has stopped trusting Apple

      The Analytical Center of VCIOM presented the results of a study dedicated to the impact of restrictions on access to Russian mobile applications on the behavior and attitudes of smartphone owners. The survey was conducted from July 28 to July 31, 2026, based on the probabilistic panel "VCIOM-Online."

      About awareness and attitude

      The overwhelming majority of respondents—97% of smartphone owners—are aware of cases of Russian applications being removed from foreign App Store and Google Play stores. Of these, 72% are well-informed about the issue, while another 25% have heard about it in general terms.

      More than half of the respondents (56%) believe that the actions of foreign companies to remove domestic services are inappropriate.

      How the experience of iPhone and Android users differs

      The study recorded a significant difference in the perception of the situation between owners of different operating systems. Among Apple users, the proportion of those who personally felt the consequences of the restrictions was 69%. Among Android owners, this figure is 37%.

      The level of concern also varies: 56% of iPhone users express concern, while among Android owners, it is 29%. Additionally, 52% of iPhone owners noted that using the device has become less convenient. Among Android users, one in four (25%) feels the same way.

      What problems iPhone owners faced

      Respondents mentioned the following consequences of app removals:

      stopped receiving notifications—64%;

      apps stopped updating—46%;

      could not download the needed app—42%;

      could not receive or send a message on time—39%.

      At the same time, 14% of iPhone owners stated that the restrictions did not affect their user experience. In comparison, among Android users, this figure was three times higher—43%.

      What long-term attitudes indicate

      The study records a change in attitude towards the Apple brand. 50% of all smartphone owners reported distrust towards the company.

      When asked about future purchases, 51% of respondents indicated that they are unlikely to choose an iPhone due to the ongoing restrictions on access to Russian applications. Another 45% of respondents suggested that Apple’s current policy may push Russians to switch to Android.

      What Russians use smartphones for

      The VCIOM report notes that smartphones remain primarily a tool for Russians to solve everyday tasks. The most in-demand categories of applications are:

      mobile banking and payment services—94%;

      messengers and social networks—91%;

      email—90%;

      public services—82%;

      shopping and delivery apps—81%;

      maps and navigators—81%.

      It is precisely with disruptions in the operation of these categories that respondents associate their complaints about the current situation, which may affect the competitive landscape in the Russian smartphone market in the future, according to the study's materials.