RuStore Archives

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Apple removes Russia’s state-backed messaging app Max from its store

Apple has removed the state-backed messaging app Max from its App Store, leading to criticism from Russian officials who deemed the action "unfriendly." Max is no longer available for download on iPhones and iPads, although existing users can still access it without updates. Russia's Digital Development Minister, Maksut Shadaev, stated that the removal denies access to about 20 million Russians and that Apple provided no explanation to the app's developers. Apple cited compliance with sanctions regulations as the reason for the removal but did not specify which sanctions. Max remains available on Android devices through Google Play and RuStore. The app, promoted by Russian authorities as an alternative to foreign platforms, was developed by VK and integrates messaging, voice calls, and access to government services. At the time of removal, Max was the ninth most downloaded app in Russia's App Store. Russian officials have criticized Apple, with some labeling the company as "enemies." Digital rights advocates have raised concerns about Max's ties to the government and lack of encryption, suggesting potential monitoring of users. Apple has a history of removing apps from the Russian store, but Max's removal does not appear to be linked to a specific government request.

AppWizard

March 31, 2026

The Korean Messenger Successfully Localized to Russian, It Has Millions of Users

KakaoTalk, a South Korean messaging app, has gained significant popularity in Russia following the ban of Telegram, reaching the second position in the 'Social Networks' category of the Russian App Store and recording approximately 10,000 downloads on RuStore. Interest in the app has surged, as indicated by Google Trends data, and it has entered the top 500 free apps across all categories in Russia. To appeal to Russian users, KakaoTalk has introduced a Russian interface, though some elements remain in English. Since its launch in 2010, KakaoTalk has built a user base exceeding 90% of smartphone owners in South Korea and has over 150 million downloads globally. The app provides features such as text messaging, image and sticker sharing, group chats, channels, and voice and video calls, and is available on Google Play, the App Store, and RuStore. KakaoTalk also played a crucial role during the 2011 Japan earthquake, experiencing a surge in messaging traffic as users sought to confirm the safety of loved ones.

AppWizard

March 24, 2026

Russia pushes unencrypted Max messenger as WhatsApp, Telegram face restrictions

The Max messenger app, launched by VK in March 2025, has gained popularity in Russia, particularly as the government restricts messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram. The app combines messaging, social media, government services, digital identification, and banking. President Vladimir Putin supports it as a means to achieve "technological sovereignty," and a law designates Max as a "national multifunctional messenger." Digital Development Minister Maksut Shadayev has promoted Max, which is also featured prominently on state television. Although not mandatory, there is significant pressure on citizens to use it, with schools and corporations transitioning communications to Max. As of March, the app surpassed 100 million users and is on Russia's "white list" of digital services that remain operational during internet blackouts. Since September, it has been pre-installed on all phones and tablets sold in Russia, with the RuStore app store being mandatory for Apple devices. Max does not offer end-to-end encryption, and user data is stored on Russian servers, with policies allowing data sharing with authorities. Critics, including the Budushcheye political movement, express concerns about surveillance and the app's functionality as a "digital trap." Despite government assurances, disruptions on Telegram and WhatsApp have been reported, with limitations on calls initiated by the government citing non-cooperation from these foreign-owned services.

AppWizard

October 21, 2025

Russia’s representative Android application (app) and game store “RuStore” has been officially opene..

RuStore, Russia's leading Android application and game store, has opened to Korean developers. Launched by VK Company Limited in 2022, it has 60 million monthly active users and is installed on over 100 million devices. The platform has over 80,000 registered apps, with half from international developers, and is particularly popular for mobile games from Asia. RuStore provides tools for app development and marketing support. It has signed a memorandum of understanding with Korea's NSPEC to help the shooting game "Worldon" enter the Russian market and enhance global game distribution collaboration.