The situation with the gray export of iPhones from India to Russia and several other countries is creating serious problems for Apple. In response, the manufacturer has started threatening retailers with significant fines.
According to Money Control, Apple has warned Indian retailers about possible sanctions, including blocking, for the illegal export of smartphones to other countries, including Russia.
The company's distributors have begun active measures against the growing gray market for iPhones in India. In recent months, the situation has become critical, and the latest iPhone 17 models have almost completely disappeared from store shelves, as retailers prefer to export devices abroad, which brings them greater profits. The main destinations are Russia, some African countries, and Middle Eastern states.
If a device is activated with a foreign SIM card within 90 days after sale, a large fine will be imposed on the retail outlet, and its code may be blocked in accordance with internal rules.
This is an official warning. Sellers are strongly advised to avoid participating in such practices.
Experts estimate that gray exports in India account for approximately 3-5% of the total volume, with about half of them directed to Russia.
