iPhone Owners Will Not Be Able to Use the Digital Ruble - Vedomosti
iPhone users in Russia will face obstacles in using the digital ruble, the country's central bank's new digital currency, according to a report by Vedomosti. The Bank of Russia's website states iOS device owners can only use the digital ruble with an updated banking app containing the necessary features. However, banks cannot upload these updated apps to the App Store by the September 1st deadline.
The main hurdles are sanctions and technical requirements. Apple blocks apps from sanctioned Russian banks. Furthermore, the Bank of Russia mandates that apps use Russian cryptographic standards, connect to specific central bank domains and APIs. Apple identifies these technical elements as markers of affiliation with the Russian state financial infrastructure, leading to app rejection. Certified solutions already exist for Android.
Apple's review process scrutinizes not just code but also the build's origin—including developer accounts, cryptographic keys, and network requests—which can lead to blocks for apps or entire developer accounts. While "guerrilla apps" or clones sometimes appear, they are typically removed from the App Store within days or hours.
For iPhone users, some banks offer web-based access to digital ruble functions as an alternative. However, major banks like VTB, RSHB, and "Russia" told Vedomosti the digital ruble is only available in their Android apps.
Starting September 1st, 12 systemically important Russian banks, including Sberbank, VTB, and Alfa-Bank, are required to provide access to the digital ruble, which must be integrated as a wallet within their own banking applications, not a separate app. Also from September, all major Russian companies are mandated to begin accepting digital ruble payments, with telecom operators and marketplaces announcing the service's launch.
cryptonews.ruHace 2 días 09:41