Apple has just announced that the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c will be available in Italy, Russia, Spain and 33 additional countries on Friday, October 25 and to an additional 16 countries including India and Mexico on Friday, November 1. » Apple Announces Two New Rounds of International iPhone 5s and 5c Launches

Hi-Tech Mail reports that the Russian cellular carrier Beeline (through parent company VimpelCom) has decided against renewing its contract with Apple, making it the last of the country’s three major iPhone carriers to do so. Instead Beeline made a deal to offer Samsung devices on their network in place of Apple’s smartphone. » Beeline: Third Major Russian Carrier To Drop iPhone

The Daily Mail reports that a memorial stone in the shape of a giant iPhone 5 was unveiled for Apple founder Steve Jobs in the Russian city of St. Petersburg. The six-foot-tall sculpture designed by Gleb Tarasov, should look like a black iPhone 4 “not equipped with a touch screen” and shows a photo and video slideshow of Jobs’ life, including important events and well-known speeches. » With Giant iPhone Shaped Memorial Stone For Steve Jobs In St. Petersburg

According to the latest news Apple has launched the iTunes Music Store in 56 new countries including Russia, Turkey, India, South Africa and 52 additional countries. All these countries now have access to an incredible selection of local and international music from all the major labels and thousands of independent labels. » Apple Launches iTunes Store In 56 New Countries Including Russia, Turkey and India

Apple currently offers music in its iTunes Store in over 60 countries. According to TechCrunch, Apple is holding a small media event in Moscow tomorrow “December 4”, presumably to announced the launch of the iTunes Music Store in Russia as well. » Small Apple Media Event Tomorrow In Moscow To Launch Russian iTunes Music Store?

The Moscow News reports that Apple plans to begin direct sales of its own products in Russia in 2013. Apple’s own in-house stores will come to Russia in the future, but that time frame appears unclear. Apple executives reportedly looked for Apple retail real estate in Russia last year, but came up empty handed. » Apple Reportedly To Start Apple Stores & Direct Sales In Russia Next Year

Yesterday Apple officially launched the iPad in Russia, all six models are available from three retail chains including M.Video, Bely Veter and re:Store. Tatar said “M.Video will first sell iPad in only four cities, including Moscow, Saint-Petersburg, Volgograd and Rostov-on-Don. Bely Veter will sell iPads in Kazan.” With only a limited supply of 3 to 4 thousand devices. » Apple Launched iPad In Russia