Russian citizens told "switch to Android" after Apple blocks key Russian apps
Summary
Apple has removed key Russian apps like VKontakte and Max from its App Store in Russia, affecting iPhone users there. The Russian government criticized Apple’s actions and encouraged people to switch to Android and local app stores to keep using these services.Key Facts
- In 2025, Russia asked Apple to remove 1,213 apps, the highest number of app removal requests worldwide.
- The blocked apps include VKontakte (a popular Russian social network) and Max (a government-mandated messaging app).
- Apple removed these apps without prior notice, stopping push notifications and limiting their usefulness on iPhones.
- VK Group claims their Android apps are still fully functional and available on several app stores like Google Play and RuStore.
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia expects an explanation from Apple and criticized Apple's decisions as unusual.
- Peskov suggested Russian users switch to Android or domestic app systems to continue using their favorite services.
- Russia aims to create a controlled, spy-friendly internet with domestic apps, while blocking some apps to enforce censorship.
- Vietnam was the second highest country requesting app removals from Apple but with far fewer demands than Russia.
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