Apple has taken a significant step by removing the state-backed Russian messaging application, Max, from its App Store, as confirmed by the app’s developers. The decision, which came to light on Wednesday night, means that while existing users can still access the service, new downloads and updates via Apple’s platform are no longer an option.
In a statement to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Apple clarified that this action was necessary to adhere to the sanctions requirements applicable in the various jurisdictions where it operates. However, the tech giant did not elaborate on the specific sanctions that prompted this removal.
Max, developed by VK, a prominent Russian technology and social media firm, has been at the center of a broader narrative. The company’s chief executive, Vladimir Kiriyenko, has faced sanctions from the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union since 2022, further complicating the app’s standing in the global market.
Russia’s push for a domestic app
Positioned as a cornerstone of Russia’s ambition to cultivate a sovereign digital ecosystem, the Max application has garnered support from Russian authorities. It has been actively promoted for use by government agencies, state-owned enterprises, educational institutions, and public-sector organizations, with reports suggesting its growing integration into official communication systems.
Since September, the app has been pre-installed on devices sold within Russia, although it remains inaccessible within the European Union, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Russian tech initiatives in the international arena.
