The Russian government recently lodged a protest with Apple, demanding an explanation for the removal of a number of apps related to the Russian Internet and technology company VK from the Russian version of the App Store, accusing Apple of not having any "warning or explanation" in advance.
The incident began when VK issued a warning, saying that Apple's move to remove related applications was restricting normal access to "popular services used by tens of millions of users every day." These applications that iPhone users in Russia can no longer download or update, according to VK, cover a variety of services such as social networks, video platforms, and instant messaging. The company said it was "incomprehensible and unacceptable" to Apple.
After VK reported the situation, the Kremlin quickly intervened. Kremlin spokesman Peskov issued a tough signal through Reuters, saying that the Russian authorities will formally contact Apple and ask for explanations on the reasons for the removal of relevant applications. He also warned that if Apple fails to provide a satisfactory answer, Russia will not rule out the possibility of "overall re-evaluation of cooperation with Apple."
Peskov was also quoted as saying that if some Russian users find it inconvenient to use the app due to the removal of the app, they “can consider switching to the Android camp.” This statement has been interpreted as political and market pressure on Apple, rather than a simple consumer suggestion. The report pointed out that the VK series applications involved can still be obtained and used normally on the Google Android platform.
The Kremlin paid special attention to the incident, which is considered to be closely related to its policy orientation on digital sovereignty and local platforms in recent years. Relevant reports indicate that Russian authorities have been pushing people to switch to MAX, a national messaging platform developed by VK. The application is now required to be pre-installed on all mobile phones and tablets sold in Russia.
However, from a hardware supply perspective, Apple’s connection with the Russian market has already been significantly weakened. Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia has increasingly tightened its use of foreign technology, and Apple stopped selling iPhones and other products directly there as early as four years ago.
Public information shows that Apple announced in March 2022 that it would suspend the sale of all products in Russia and close its online retail business in Russia. This move occurred shortly after the Russian army invaded Ukraine. At that time, analysts generally believed that the Russian market accounted for a very low share of Apple’s global revenue, only about 0.9% to 1.4%, so withdrawing from local retail had a limited impact on the company’s overall revenue.
After Apple’s official channels withdrew, newly purchased iPhones in Russia basically flowed in through the “gray market”. Most of the devices purchased by local consumers were imported from third-party channels, and the MAX applications promoted by Russian officials were not pre-installed on the devices. This also makes the game around app distribution and platform control more likely to occur between the App Store and third-party app stores at the operating system level.
As of now, Apple has not publicly commented on the removal of VK-related applications from the Russian App Store, nor has it disclosed the specific reasons for the removal of related applications. As the Russian government continues to increase efforts to localize the digital ecosystem, this dispute is expected to continue to ferment. The conflict between Apple and Russia over application distribution and regulatory rules may not be settled in the short term.