Violation of Apple’s rules? MTS reveals iPhone 17 in Russia a day before global sales
By ForGeeks
MTS became the first company in Russia to publicly demonstrate the iPhone 17 Pro Max — and it did it a day before the official start of global sales. The presentation took place at the Crystal Palace «Crystal» as part of an exhibition of designer toys «Supertoys. Art Inside», organized by MTS Live.
The event was attended by journalists and bloggers, who got the opportunity to be the first in Russia to test the novelty. The smartphones were also tested to see if they work on the MTS network. The company noted that demand for the iPhone 17 in the first days of pre-order was three times higher than last year’s level.
Where MTS got the iPhone 17 before the sales launch
The fact that the smartphones appeared at the Russian presentation a day before the world premiere raises questions. Apple’s official policy is traditionally strict: partners are forbidden to demonstrate or sell devices before the set date. Violation of these rules threatens to stop shipments.
The fact that smartphones appeared at the Russian presentation a day before the world premiere raises questions.
It’s highly likely that MTS received the devices through third-party channels — for example, from partners or distributors who violated their agreements with Apple. The iPhone 17 was already in stock at the time of the announcement, but showing it off before «X» hour» is considered a direct violation of terms.
So MTS likely took advantage of the fact that Apple doesn’t directly control the Russian market after the company’s withdrawal from the country.
Pre-orders and pricing
Despite the controversial context, MTS has begun accepting pre-orders. According to the company, the most popular was the iPhone 17 Pro Max — it accounted for almost half of the orders.
- iPhone 17 — from 109,990 rubles
- iPhone 17 Air — from 144,990 rubles
- iPhone 17 Pro — from 164,990 rubles.
- iPhone 17 Pro Max — from 184,990 rubles.
Order can be made with a partial prepayment (25 thousand rubles), the remaining amount is paid upon receipt. The first deliveries are expected by the end of September.
Context: demand and limitations
- iPhone 17 Pro Max took 49% of orders,
- iPhone 17 Pro —32%,
- iPhone 17 — 14 %,
- iPhone Air — 5%.
