Apple stops product sales in Russia, removes RT and Sputnik from App Store

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and a slew of other Big Tech companies are continuing to take action over Russia's war in Ukraine.

And now Apple has joined the response to the conflict.

According to Apple, the company has "stopped all product sales in Russia." Those in Russia who attempt to buy an iPhone, Macbook, or other Apple product from its online store are provided a delivery date of "currently unavailable." Apple also added that it halted exports to Russia last week.

The use of its Apple Pay mobile payment service has also been "limited." 

While platforms like Facebook and YouTube are blocking Russian state-media outlets in the EU, Apple has taken it a step even further. The company announced it has removed apps for Russia Today and Sputnik News from the App Store outside Russia. 

In addition, Apple has removed traffic and live incidents from Apple Maps in Ukraine as a "safety and precautionary measure for Ukrainian citizens."

Apple's entire statement can be read below:

We are deeply concerned about the Russian invasion of Ukraine and stand with all of the people who are suffering as a result of the violence. We are supporting humanitarian efforts, providing aid for the unfolding refugee crisis, and doing all we can to support our teams in the region. 

We have taken a number of actions in response to the invasion. We have paused all product sales in Russia. Last week, we stopped all exports into our sales channel in the country. Apple Pay and other services have been limited. RT News and Sputnik News are no longer available for download from the App Store outside Russia. And we have disabled both traffic and live incidents in Apple Maps in Ukraine as a safety and precautionary measure for Ukrainian citizens. 

We will continue to evaluate the situation and are in communication with relevant governments on the actions we are taking. We join all those around the world who are calling for peace.