Two key Russian apps with state-owned backgrounds were recently removed from the App Store by Apple. These two apps are VKontakte (the Russian version of Facebook) and the instant messaging tool MAX. The removal of these two apps has a great impact on Russian users, because Facebook, WhatsApp, Signal, etc. that were originally used to provide the same functions have been blocked and cannot be used.
Apple did not explain in detail the reasons for removing these applications, but this is a huge obstacle to Russia's support for domestic applications to replace foreign applications. In particular, the MAX application is still the main instant messaging tool promoted by Russia. After being removed from the shelves, users can only continue to look for other similar alternatives.
VK Group said that Apple did not even notify in advance:
The Russian VK Group issued a statement stating that Apple unilaterally removed the VK app from the App Store without issuing any advance notice or warning. The VK Group has not been subject to any sanctions and has never been included in the sanctions list. Both international and American lawyers believe that there is currently no problem for VK to release apps. Apple obviously also has these legal opinions and all information. However, Apple unilaterally removed the VK app without prior notice, which is unreasonable and unacceptable.
It is worth noting that although Russian users who have installed these applications can continue to use them, Apple has also turned off the notification push function of these applications, which has resulted in a significant decline in their functions and experience. If users accidentally delete these applications, there is currently no way to reinstall and use them.
There is currently no reason for delisting:
Apple removed the instant messaging tool MAX app from the App Store at the beginning of this month, and removed the VK app from the App Store on June 25. At the same time, Apple also directly disabled the push notification function of these apps, so users will not see new message reminders unless they open the app. What is weird is that Apple did not give any explanation, neither an advance notice nor a warning, nor an explanation after the removal and disabling of push notifications.
The Russian government also expressed dissatisfaction with Apple's behavior. Russia said it hoped that Apple would give a reasonable explanation for removing the VK application. As a commercial service provider, Apple's behavior of removing applications without authorization is untrustworthy. Russia called on the public to switch to Android systems and continue to use the same services provided by Russia.