Apple products implement all the basic functions of smartphones: the device can receive incoming and outgoing calls, take and view photos and videos, listen to music, send and receive SMS messages, and use Internet resources.

All devices run on the iOS operating system, developed by Apple, one of the most reliable in the world. The pride of the manufacturer is the high level of dust and moisture protection IP68. A special film is glued between the screen and the body, which must be renewed every time the phone is disassembled. Another distinctive feature of the iPhone is the bright Retina XDR and Super Retina XDR screens with realistic color reproduction.

In 2023, in Russia you can buy both new and discontinued models: 

iPhone 15 – basic 2023 model with a good camera and 6.1″ display	OS – iOS 17 memory – 128-512 GB display – 6.1″ processor – Apple A16 Bionic screen technology – Super Retina XDR
iPhone 15 Plus – base model with larger screen	OS – iOS 17 memory – 128-512 GB display – 6.7″ screen technology — Super Retina XDR  processor — Apple A16 Bionic
iPhone 15 Pro is the lightest model in the line with a titanium case	OS – iOS 17 memory – 128-512 GB display – 6.1″ screen technology — Super Retina XDR processor — Apple A17 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max – a model with a larger screen, five times zoom, a powerful processor that allows you to run console games	OS – iOS 17 memory – 256 GB-1 TB display – 6.7″ technology screen – Super Retina XDR processor – Apple A17 Pro
iPhone 14 – 2022 base model with full-screen display	OS – iOS 16 memory – 128-512 GB display – 6.1″processor – Apple A15 Bionic screen technology – Super Retina XDR
iPhone 14 Pro – Features a full-screen display with Dynamic Island technology and a LiDAR scanner	OS – iOS 16 memory – 128 GB-1 TB display – 6.1″ technology screen – Super Retina XDR processor – Apple A16 Bionic
iPhone 14 Pro Max – features a larger 6.7″ Super Retina XDR display with Dynamic Island technology and a good camera	OS – iOS 16 memory – 128 GB-1 TB display – 6.7″ technology screen – Super Retina XDR processor – Apple A16 Bionic
iPhone SE 2022 is the most budget smartphone in the 2022 lineup that supports wireless charging	OS – iOS 15 memory – 64-256 GB display – 4.7″processor – Apple A15 Bionic screen technology – Retina HD
iPhone 13 is the 2021 entry-level model for everyday use	OS – iOS 15 memory – 128-512 GB display – 6.1″ screen technology — Super Retina XDR processor — Apple A15 Bionic
iPhone 13 Pro – Features a full-screen display with ProMotion technology and a LiDAR scanner	OS – iOS 15 memory – 128 GB-1 TB display – 6.1″ technology screen – Super Retina XDR processor – Apple A15 Bionic
iPhone 13 Pro Max – equipped with a larger 6.7″ display with ProMotion technology, supports eSIM and nanoSIM	OS – iOS 15 memory – 128 GB-1 TB display – 6.7″ technology screen – Super Retina XDR processor – Apple A15 Bionic
iPhone 13 mini – basic model in a compact format	OS – iOS 15 memory – 128-512 GB display – 5.4″ screen technology — Super Retina XDR processor — Apple A15 Bionic
iPhone 12 – 2020 model with an incredibly durable Ceramic Shield front panel and support5G	OS – iOS 14 memory – 64-256 GB display – 6.1″processor – Apple A14 Bionic screen technology – Super Retina XDR
iPhone 11—2019 model with photo and video editing tools and 5G support	OS – iOS 13 memory – 64-256 GB display – 6.1″ screen technology — Liquid Retina HD processor — Apple A13 Bionic

Modern iPhones come pre-installed with more than 30 apps: Camera, Magnifier, Health, Phone, Music, Calendar, Mail, Translation, Weather, iMovie, Clips, Siri and other. The full list can be found in the specifications for each model on the manufacturer’s website. There is an application store AppStore. After the company left Russia, almost all of them remained working, with the exception of a few that were limited in functions or inactive for various reasons:

• Undoubtedly, iPhone owners were upset by disabling the convenient payment service Apple Pay. Some banks offered their own services and payment stickers in return. The option to pay at the checkout using a QR code is still available;
• Convenient option Siri without Internet access allows you to use the voice assistant in offline mode. This feature is currently available in a limited number of languages: English, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, German and French;
• Maps – this option did not work fully in Russia. In our country, satellite display mode, navigation and viewing of nearby companies are available. In terms of level of detail, Maps is inferior to Yandex and Google maps;
• Voice control appeared for the first time in iOS 13, a kind of competitor to Siri. This option is currently available in English, French, Spanish, German, Japanese and Chinese;
• Starting with iPhone 11, all smartphone models have a built-in U1 chip, designed for precise positioning of gadgets (for example, it can find an AirTag tag with precision up to one meter). But Apple did not pass licensing in Russia¹, and the frequencies for the chip to operate were not open to it;
• Not available in Russia and Private Relay (Private node) is a VPN analogue built into the operating system that allows you to encrypt traffic. This option was blocked not only in our country at the testing stage.

But not everything is so sad. For example, in iOS 16 they improved the text recognition option from photos and videosLive Text and provided it with support for the Russian language. And in the updated version of iOS 16.4, a function has appeared that allows you to enter text on the virtual keyboard using swipes – it is available in Russia and works.

Apple’s sanctions restrictions on Russia

In March 2022, Apple closed its online store for Russia and stopped official deliveries of products. However, parallel import schemes soon began to work, and all new products for 2023 are now available. Yes, there is a nuance: we did not receive them on the first day of sales, but we received them – and this is better than nothing. True, gadgets imported from other countries are not certified to operate in the networks of Russian telecom operators. iPhone 14 users had problems activating eSIM and enabling VoWiFi and VoLTE, but they were quickly resolved.

And here a natural question arises about the guarantee. Apple will extend authorization for Russian service centers from spring 2023, but in a limited format. After all, users still have enough devices on hand that are subject to warranty service, and the manufacturer is obliged to supply original spare parts. Large chain stores are ready to provide a guarantee on all devices sold. They carry out repairs at ASCs abroad. In addition, many have their own equipment service centers with highly qualified specialists and the ability to purchase original components. 

As for Apple services, we can say that the sanctions hardly affected them. In 2022, restrictions on Apple Pay were introduced. It has become impossible to add cards from “sanctioned” banks to the service. The products of foreign banks, issued abroad, will not be accepted by the terminal at the checkout, since the Visa and MasterCard payment systems have left the country. As described above, the problem was solved by issuing payment stickers and paying using QR codes.

Most applications of Russian banks have been removed from the AppStore. Attempts to release new products under a different name failed. But some banks still found a way out of the difficult situation. It is now possible to send Push notifications to clients directly from the Safari browser. Tinkoff and Sber have learned to install their applications bypassing the AppStore. True, this is not yet being done in all offices, but a start has been made.

Apple supports its products for five to six years. That is, the model will still receive operating system updates. If you need a practical phone with good performance for everyday tasks for the next year and a half, then the iPhone 11 will be the optimal solution.

Is it worth buying a refurbished iPhone?

Buying a refurbished iPhone is one way to get a new device at a lower price (not to be confused with used gadgets, these are completely different categories). They restore smartphones with minor defects (those that customers returned to the store and display samples). Before sale, devices are cleaned, non-functional parts are replaced, and tested. Restoration can be carried out by both the manufacturer and sellers. 

iPhone smartphones officially restored by Apple (Manufacturer Refurbished or Certified Refurbished). These are devices with minor defects, those that were passed through the Trade-in program or returned during the warranty period. First, the phone undergoes diagnostics, then the faulty components, as well as the case and battery, are replaced. The device is cleaned and sent for testing. The smartphone is assigned a new serial number and supplied with the necessary accessories. The manufacturer gives a 15% discount on such devices.

iPhone smartphones restored by sellers (Seller Refurbished). In this case, each company itself determines the quality standard and can divide gadgets into categories. For example: “in perfect condition, like new”, “with micro scratches on the glass and body”, “with minor scratches and abrasions”. Such smartphones may have incomplete battery capacity (but not less than 80%) or non-original components. 

Large retailers are concerned about their reputation – they maintain the quality standard and provide a guarantee for refurbished equipment. There is a category of unscrupulous sellers both in Russia and abroad who assemble smartphones from non-working devices and sell them under the guise of new ones. Such devices have fake serial numbers, although the packaging may be very similar to the original one. 

Is it worth buying refurbished iPhones and what should you pay attention to? Apple did not supply Manufacturer Refurbished smartphones to the Russian market. Now all products come to our country under the parallel import scheme, and the question is what guarantees does the seller provide for such devices. 

You can tell that this is an officially restored device by looking at several details:

• There is no image of the smartphone on the packaging, only an inscription with the name of the model and the mandatory Apple Certified Pre-Owned marking;
• The model number starts with the letter F, while the numbers of new smartphones start with M. 

When buying a refurbished iPhone on foreign online platforms, you need to be prepared for the fact that in case of a breakdown you will have to deal with repairs yourself, and there is a risk of even running into scammers.

Some large retailers in Russia are also refurbishing iPhones. If you are not buying a smartphone online, then you can check the model number, battery capacity, equipment, appearance and performance of the device right in the store. 

If you have doubts about the integrity of the seller, check the serial number of the device on the Apple website. If the device was not activated before you, then everything is in order. You can also connect your smartphone to a laptop with iTunes installed. The program should recognize the device. 

In Russia, when purchasing either an officially or unofficially refurbished iPhone, you should rely on the integrity of the store. Therefore, it is better to choose large operators and check with them the terms of warranty and service. 

Is it worth buying a display iPhone?

“Showcase” or iPhone Demo Not For Sale is a sample to familiarize buyers with the functions of the gadget. Such smartphones are delivered to Apple retail outlets or resellers from the manufacturer when a new version of the product is released. 

iPhone Demo comes with a minimum amount of memory and a special version of iOS that allows you to demonstrate the capabilities of the gadget, but does not allow you to download or delete applications. A certain set of pre-installed programs is already on the device. The demo version of iOS will not allow you to change some settings, for example, you will not be able to add a fingerprint. In preparation for sale, regular iOS is installed on such phones.

You can identify a “display” iPhone by its model number. It starts with a number, whereas in a regular phone it starts with a letter. The packaging of such a smartphone will indicate “Demo – Not For Sale.” The sample kit is no different from the iPhone for sale.

When buying an iPhone Demo, you should consider some nuances:

• The device is open and activated. The manufacturer counts the device warranty period from the activation date. In today’s realities, service issues will have to be discussed with the seller;
• The “display” iPhone may have a lot of scuffs or scratches on the case, because it is on the stand without a case, and there are many people who want to get acquainted with the functionality;
• The sample battery will most likely be worn out, so it is better to check the battery life in the settings before purchasing. 

There is nothing wrong with purchasing a “display” iPhone. After all, such devices are often bought to save money, and sellers give a good discount on them. You just need to carefully check the device in the store.

Is it worth buying a used iPhone?

Buying a used phone always involves certain risks. You don’t know how carefully the previous owner treated the smartphone, how intensively the iPhone was used, whether it was charged correctly, or whether repairs were carried out in an unauthorized service.

Now that all Apple products are coming to our country unofficially, there is a high probability that both scammers on foreign online platforms and home-grown “masters” who repair phones in handicraft workshops will try to deceive you.

An undoubted advantage of Apple products is a centralized database of device serial numbers. Therefore, the first thing you need to do when buying a used iPhone is to make sure on the manufacturer’s website that the device has been activated and there is data about it. Also make sure that the previous owner’s Apple ID is not associated with the device. This way you will protect yourself from purchasing a counterfeit product and from attacks by strangers on the security of your phone. 

The first letter in the model number indicates what type of smartphone it is:

• M – new iPhone;
• P – exchange device, these are issued at service centers under warranty;
• F – officially refurbished device. 

There are a few more important details that you need to pay attention to when buying a smartphone:

• Case. There are two screws on the bottom of the phone, check if they are loose. If you see signs that the case has been opened, do not hesitate to ask the seller for what purpose this was done and in what service. Of course, this is a reason to think about whether it is worth buying the device. Cracks, abrasions, and scratches do not affect the operation of the iPhone in any way, but dents caused by falls can cause freezing and overheating;
• Battery. In the settings you can check information on energy consumption, consumption statistics and the degree of battery wear. It is logical that if the phone has been used, the battery capacity should be less than 100%. If the smartphone is two years old and the battery is not worn out, it means that it was changed, that is, the device case was opened;
• Scanners Touch ID and Face ID must work quickly . Unstable operation of the sensors may cause moisture to enter the device;
• Camera. Take several pictures on the main and front modules in all modes to make sure they are working. Carefully inspect the cameras: dust under the glass may indicate that the body has been disassembled;
• Sound. Listen to some recording, preferably a familiar one, to make sure that the playback is not distorted. The speaker should not wheeze. If you record your voice on a voice recorder and listen to it, you will also check the operation of the microphone;
• Screen. Make sure the sensor is working. To do this, you can use the keyboard in horizontal and vertical modes or move the icons around the screen. The color rendition of the display and the backlight should be uniform and without glare.

Unfortunately, with a quick inspection before purchasing, it is impossible to take into account all the nuances and draw a conclusion about the functionality of the phone. By purchasing a used device, you are taking a risk anyway. And if the iPhone breaks, you will have to repair it at your own expense. So the initial benefit may be dubious.

Is it worth buying an iPhone with a replaced battery?

An iPhone battery stops holding a charge after about three years or 500 charge cycles. It is impossible to change the battery at home. Firstly, you need special tools. Secondly, starting with the iPhone X model, the manufacturer allows the replacement of any components only in official or authorized service centers. Each part has a chip ID, and if the battery is not installed in the ACC, the smartphone may block some of the functions. For example, the indication of the charge level or battery capacity will disappear.

Some masters have learned to circumvent these limitations. They resolder the chip from the original battery to a new one. But there is no guarantee that after such manipulations the phone will serve you for a long time. Replacing the battery at an authorized smartphone service is safe, but there are also some nuances here. The battery cannot be checked upon purchase. The repair may be carried out poorly, for example, the waterproof coating may be damaged. Therefore, buying an iPhone with a replaced battery always involves certain risks. And saving can result in getting a phone that doesn’t quite work. 

conclusions 

So is it worth buying an iPhone in 2023? It may be easier to purchase a flagship from a Chinese manufacturer. In terms of technical equipment, many models are not inferior, and some are superior to Apple phones. The price for such a smartphone will be much lower than for Apple products. For iPhone fans, there is no doubt that this is the best phone. Owners of Android smartphones who are thinking about switching to Apple should weigh the pros and cons and decide for themselves whether they are ready to endure certain restrictions.

It will be more difficult for those who already have devices from the same ecosystem (for example, Samsung or Huawei). If you switch to an iPhone, you will have to sacrifice the convenience of interaction between devices, and in some cases, replace the devices altogether. 

The lack of official supplies is unlikely to be a serious reason for refusing to purchase. Apple left Russia, but other schemes for importing goods into the country appeared. There is definitely no need to be afraid of sanctions from the United States. All manufacturers ultimately aim to make a profit, and no one wants to lose their market. Therefore, Apple sells its products to other countries, knowing full well that some of it will go to Russia. 

Doubt may be caused by termination of warranty service for devices. Authorized Apple service centers no longer receive replacement components and are certainly not obligated to repair equipment purchased outside of official supplies. Sellers are responsible for solving this problem. Large retailers send devices under warranty to neighboring countries for repairs. And those that have their own service centers purchase components abroad and make replacements themselves. If you don’t try to save money and buy the phone from a trusted seller, then your iPhone will not be left without warranty service. But here everyone decides for themselves whether to initially overpay for the device itself or then, in the event of a breakdown, look for where to have it repaired.

The limitation in the operation of the Apple Pay application, of course, is not an argument in favor of the iPhone, but this problem can also be solved. There are payment stickers, QR codes, and in the offices of some banks you can install applications bypassing the AppStore. Android users still benefit in this regard – they do not have to perform unnecessary actions to make convenient payments in stores.

Another disadvantage of the iPhone is the inability to install applications that are not in the AppStore. While many smartphone manufacturers, who also offer their own application stores, do not prevent the downloading of third-party products. However, Apple does not see this policy as an infringement on user freedom; on the contrary, it considers it a concern for their safety.

As for the removal of applications from the AppStore, this only applies to banks and companies from the “sanctions” list. Domestic developers are trying to solve this problem and are already offering some options. Owners of Android phones win here again. AppStore applications hidden from Russian users may not be considered a problem at all. Probably everyone knows how to change their geopositioning and install the desired product.

The issue of paying for Russian applications and subscriptions has been resolved – now this can be done by bypassing the AppStore. Foreign products can still be paid for with a foreign bank card or from a mobile operator account.

To summarize, we can say that iPhone owners will have to put up with some limitations one way or another. But Apple products come to Russia and work. So you shouldn’t write off the iPhone, especially since there is plenty to choose from: there are both new products of this year and worthy models from previous years on the market.

Expert review

Alexander Zlobin, head of the IT department at Havas Worldwide, shares his opinion on what problems you might encounter when buying an iPhone in 2023:< /span>

“Officially, Apple phones are not supplied to the Russian Federation. And, accordingly, they can come from different regions. Previously, there were cases when devices imported unofficially did not support all frequencies allowed in our country. And this became the reason for unstable communication and even its absence. At the same time, the official apparatus functions normally. 

Due to unification, new devices, as a rule, support all frequencies at the hardware level and use the frequencies of the region of presence. But the question, nevertheless, is relevant for old and used devices. Moreover, the problem of permitted frequencies may manifest itself differently among different operators and in different regions of the country. This point needs to be clarified when purchasing.” 

Popular questions and answers

Popular questions from readers are answered by Alexander Zlobin, head of the IT department at Havas Worldwide.