Yandex Browser has seen a surge in popularity, reaching the top spot for downloads in the Russian segment of Google Play as of early August 2026. Data from Digital Budget indicates that the monthly active user base for the Yandex with Alice AI app grew by 31% year-on-year and 12% compared to June. Downloads for the standalone browser increased by 5% over the same period.
The shift is largely attributed to the transition of major Russian organizations and banks to national security certificates. Following the revocation of SSL/TLS certificates by GlobalSign in summer 2026, many sites now require domestic cryptographic standards. Yandex Browser supports these protocols natively, whereas foreign browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Edge often require manual system configuration.
Foreign browsers have experienced a decline in their Russian user base, with Google Chrome dropping by 3% and Opera by 19%. The issue is particularly acute for Apple device users, who account for 34% of banking service traffic. Many prefer switching to Yandex Browser or dedicated banking apps rather than manually installing certificates on iOS or macOS devices.
Yandex reports that its browser is currently active on more than 95 million devices. The company attributes this growth to the integration of AI features, performance improvements, and built-in security. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Digital Development plans to introduce ten new types of security certificates by March 1, 2027, to further standardize the domestic internet infrastructure.
Future developments in the sector include the creation of a specialized browser by CryptoPro, which will feature native support for TLS connections based on Russian cryptographic algorithms. This ongoing transition of the national internet infrastructure is expected to continue throughout 2027 as more organizations adopt the new security standards mandated by the government.
