GoKawiilApple says that all payment processing in Russia has ceased, meaning that it’s no longer possible for residents of the country to make app purchases or renew subscriptions. This includes subscriptions to Apple services like iCloud+ and Apple TV.
The move followed a diktat from the Russian government, and saw the closure of a loophole that allowed customers to make payments to Apple indirectly …
While card payments to Apple were already blocked, it had been possible to transfer funds to an Apple account via mobile operators. This loophole has now been closed by the government.
Apple announced the change in a new support document.
As of April 1, 2026, payment processing is no longer available for purchases made on the App Store or other Apple Media Services in Russia. This might affect your existing subscriptions. New purchases, including in-app purchases and subscription renewals, are no longer available in Russia unless you have funds in your Apple Account balance […] If you have funds in your Apple Account balance, you can continue to make purchases and renew subscriptions as long as funds are available. You can also redeem any App Store codes that you already have.
The company specifically confirms that this includes all Apple subscriptions:
Apple Arcade
Apple Fitness+
Apple Music
Apple Podcasts subscriptions
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