Russian iPhone users lose Apple ID payments as Kremlin escalates VPN crackdown

Date:
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 13:39:20 +0000

Description:
Russia's Ministry of Digital Development has ordered mobile operators to disable Apple ID payments in a bid to make accessing VPNs harder.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Tech Radar Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Become a Member in Seconds Unlock instant access to exclusive member
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prevent VPN payments Russias Minister of Digital Development, Maksut
Shadayev, has ordered mobile operators to disable Apple ID payments in the country.

Local news outlet RBC reports that Shadayev issued the directive to the "Big Four" Russian operators MegaFon, T2 Mobile, MTS, and VimpelCom during a meeting on March 28. From April 1, 2026, iPhone users across Russia will lose the ability to pay via their Apple ID. You may like Apple removes custom VPN clients from Russian App Store amid Telegram crackdown Russia moves to
'reduce VPN usage' with new blocking, fines and fees Russias crackdown on
VPNs reaches new heights as internet restrictions intensify

One source told RBC the move is an attempt to make accessing a VPN even more difficult. By disabling these payments, authorities hope to throttle the ability of residents to pay for premium VPN subscriptions.

However, a separate source told Russia's news agency Interfax that the ban is a temporary measure to "encourage tech companies to comply with Russian law" and "force the tech giant to return Russian services to the App Store."

The move marks yet another blow to VPN services in the country. Earlier this week, Apple removed several VPN clients from the Russian App Store following demands from the state media regulator, Roskomnadzor.

Shadayev has since signaled that the government intends to further " reduce VPN usage " through a combination of technical blocks, aggressive fines, and new usage fees. Russia's Apple ID payments ban what's at stake for VPN
users? (Image credit: Photo Illustration by Omar Marques/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) The Apple ID payment system allows iOS users to manage purchases for apps, digital services like iCloud+ and Apple Music, and third-party subscriptions.

The feature became a vital lifeline for residents after Visa and Mastercard suspended operations in 2022 following the invasion of Ukraine. For many, linking a mobile phone bill to an Apple ID became the final reliable way to pay for Western digital services.

While users can theoretically purchase VPNs through other means, the absence of Visa and Mastercard makes direct website purchases nearly impossible for the average Russian user. What to read next Russias battle against VPNs is entering a new phase: Here's what to expect in 2026 Windscribe promises users in Iran and Russia "solutions" to ongoing VPN crackdown here's everything we know Russia is using DNS and DPI to block YouTube, Telegram and WhatsApp
while pushing state-controlled MAX as alternative

If you are based in or traveling to Russia soon, I suggest downloading a secure free VPN app like Proton VPN Free , PrivadoVPN Free , Amnezia VPN Free , or Windscribe Free .

For those currently in Russia or planning to travel there, installing a reputable free VPN is highly recommended. Services like Proton VPN Free, PrivadoVPN Free , and Windscribe Free are all solid choices, while
open-source projects like Amnezia VPN offer specialized tools designed to bypass aggressive state filtering.

It's also worth reminding that some of the top VPN brands also accept cryptocurrency payments, including NordVPN , Surfshark , and Proton VPN .

Windscribe and NymVPN which have recently improved their censorship-resistant tech to make sure to work in challenging environments like Russia accept crypto payments, too. Mullvad VPN even lets you pay in cash. Today's best VPN deals NordVPN 2 Year 2.59 /mth View +3 months free Surfshark 24 Months 1.49 /mth View Proton VPN 2.39 /mth View +4 MONTHS FREE ExpressVPN 24 month 1.74 /mth View We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/vpn/vpn-privacy-security/russian-iphone-users-lose-a pple-id-payments-as-kremlin-escalates-vpn-crackdown


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