Apple has removed the VKontakte and Max apps from its App Store in Russia. The moves follow a pattern of Russian government requests to block apps. Kremlin officials have responded by urging users to switch to Android devices.
Apple blocked the Max app in the first week of June and VKontakte on June 25. Existing installations continue to work but no longer receive push notifications.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on June 25 that the government expects an explanation from Apple. He described the company's decisions as bizarre and advised Russian users to switch to Android or domestic systems.
VK Group, the developer of the apps, stated that the removals occurred without warning or explanation. The company noted that its Android versions remain fully functional on multiple stores including Google Play and RuStore.
According to Apple's 2025 App Store Transparency Report, Russia requested the removal of 1,213 apps that year, far more than any other country.