Apple Removes Russian Messenger App 'Max' from App Store Over Sanctions

Apple has deleted the Russian state-backed messenger application 'Max' from its App Store, citing sanctions as the reason for the removal. The announcement came shortly after the Russian company confirmed the app's temporary unavailability.

Russia had been promoting Max as a secure alternative to heavily restricted Western messaging services such as WhatsApp and Telegram. Government officials, state-run companies, and educational institutions were reportedly compelled to transition their communications to Max. The app is developed by VK, a Russian technology firm whose CEO, Vladimir Kiriyenko, has been subject to international sanctions since 2022.

This action follows similar moves by both Apple and Google, which have removed numerous Russian applications from their respective stores, particularly those developed by entities under Western sanctions. While existing installations of Max on smartphones in Russia remain functional, new downloads and updates are now blocked on Apple devices. Google Play, however, still lists the Max application.

Max is often compared to China's WeChat due to its integrated features. It offers not only messaging capabilities but also access to state services, a digital identification system, and banking functionalities. Russian President Vladimir Putin had endorsed Max, positioning it as a platform that fulfills Russia's ambition for "technological sovereignty" and offers a "safer" communication channel. Since September, Max has been pre-installed on smartphones and tablets sold within Russia, though it is not available in the European Union.