I haven't heard of russet apples. Only russet potatoes. But apparently russetting is a phenotype of some apples and pears (presumably among other things):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russeting

The moar you know! :D

Now why that term was applied to the russet potato... is not so clear to me. Seems like a misnomer given that they all appear brown.

/tangent

"Russet" itself is a brownish color, such as that of the eponymous potato.

"Russeting" is the appearance of mottled spots of that color, like on the apple and pear.

"Russeted" might have been more accurate for the fruits, but I suspect there's a phonological reason it's not actually used.

Russets (in apples and pears) tend to have a more crunchy nashi type flesh. The brown skin can be a bit sandpaper and thick. It has a distinctive mouth feel as a fruit all of its own which somehow sets off perfectly with the chalky white crumble which Wensleydale and some Cheshire has.

yes, I find the AU apple market very limited in the cities, and only a bit better in the actual apple growing regions. Its all fuji and pink lady

I want to agree.. but I also happen to love Fuji...