Few die hards? We have an actual case study: Russia. Apple does not sell in Russia anymore but market share has increased.
Here’s a comparison of iOS share in Russia (mobile OS) between August 2025 vs August 2023, using StatCounter data:
• August 2025: iOS ~ 31.97 %
• August 2023: iOS ~ 27 % (approximately) — StatCounter’s historical data shows iOS had around 26-28 % share in Russia in mid-2023
So between August 2023 and August 2025, iOS’s share in Russia appears to have increased by about 4–6 percentage points (from ~27% → ~32%).
As you see Apple is willing to chase money despite sanctions. If they would be serious, there would be 0% iOS devices in Russia, because we both know that iPhones can be remotely locked.
Now compare tiny Russian market to European market. Apple is making obvious empty bluff.
The Russian market is not tiny, it is literally the largest economy in Europe with the highest GDP per capita for 2025 when adjusted for PPP. It is also has the highest population in Europe.
If they can pull out of Russia and lose nothing why can’t they pull out of the EU?
Here’s a comparison of iOS share in Russia (mobile OS) between August 2025 vs August 2023, using StatCounter data: • August 2025: iOS ~ 31.97 % • August 2023: iOS ~ 27 % (approximately) — StatCounter’s historical data shows iOS had around 26-28 % share in Russia in mid-2023
So between August 2023 and August 2025, iOS’s share in Russia appears to have increased by about 4–6 percentage points (from ~27% → ~32%).