Apple deleted the Russian government-backed messaging app Max from the App Store in Russia. The authorities aren’t happy about it, calling the move unfriendly. They also questioned why Apple had not given them any official reason for taking the app off the App Store.
People who have already downloaded Max have no reason to panic since they can still open it up and use it for now. But the problem now is that they won’t be able to receive update notifications.
Apple offered no explanation for suddenly removing the app
Max’s press service confirmed the app vanished from Apple’s store. The company said Apple gave no warning or explanation to developers.
Russia’s Minister of Digital Development, Maksut Shadaev, spoke about the removal on Thursday. The minister said Apple has just denied 20 million iPhone and iPad users in Russia access to Max.
So far, Apple hasn’t said a word in public concerning the removal. But in a statement to BBC Russian, the tech giant noted it was a move made in compliance with sanctions regulations. Apple didn’t specifically mention the particular sanctions that led to the removal.
Sanctions on technology have been applied in other contexts as well. A non-profit think tank defended crypto privacy against Tornado Cash sanctions, raising questions about the scope of government restrictions. Max’s developers said they asked Apple to clarify the reason and that they’re trying to resolve the issue.
App’s removal triggers a sharp drop in activity
Russian media reported a sharp decline in activity on Max after Apple pulled it. Fewer posts and active channels appeared on the platform. The app remains available on Android devices. Max is still available for users on the Google Play store and via Russia’s RuStore.
Before its removal from Apple’s App Store in Russia, Max was the 9th most downloaded app in the app store. Independent outlet Meduza reported that the top positions now belong to VPN services.
Russia pushed max as a homegrown alternative
Russian authorities have touted Max as a local alternative to foreign messaging apps. They specifically wanted it to replace Telegram and WhatsApp. Since September last year, Russia has required smartphone and tablet makers to preinstall Max on all devices sold in the country. The rule aimed to boost the app’s reach.
VK, one of Russia’s largest technology companies, developed Max. The app is modeled on China’s WeChat and combines messaging and voice calls with government services.
Users can access digital identification, electronic signatures, and payment functions through Max. Authorities say that Max boasts a daily audience of over 60 million users.
Privacy concerns regarding Max
Digital rights advocates have criticized Max. They say that its close connection with the Russian government infrastructure could allow the government to monitor users.
Moreover, the app has no end-to-end encryption. That means messages and calls are prone to surveillance. In April, Cloudflare classified Max as spyware. The company later removed the label without public explanation.
Max representatives said at the time that the designation came from a “misunderstanding” of web analytics traffic. They denied any evidence of malicious behavior.
Russian officials condemn Apple’s move
Russian officials responded frowning at Apple’s decision. Head of telecoms operator Rostelecom, Mikhail Oseevsky, called Apple ‘enemies.’ He described the move as “absolutely unfriendly.”
Russian authorities have increasingly encouraged citizens to use domestic digital services. Western tech companies have reduced their operations in Russia since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
Additionally, the Kremlin has been looking for more ways to control online communications. On many occasions, the country has denied its citizens access to foreign platforms and services.
Apple has removed other apps before
Apple has previously removed many other apps from the Russian App Store. But those takedowns often followed requests from Russian authorities.
Russian media reports that Apple frequently removes VPN applications from its store. The removals happen at the request of the internet regulator, Roskomnadzor.
The Max case is different. This time, Apple acted on its own citing sanctions compliance, not a Russian government request. Apple has not responded to requests for comment. The company also did not say whether the removal applies only to Russia or globally.
What happens next for Max users
Max users on iPhones and iPads can still use the app for now. But they will not receive future updates or notifications. That means security patches and new features won’t reach Apple users. Over time, the app could become less functional or secure on iOS devices.
Android users face no immediate change. The app remains available through Google Play and RuStore. Max’s developers say they are working on a solution. But with Apple not explaining its decision, a fix may be hard to find.
