Apple pulled 16 applications belonging to Russia’s VK Group from the App Store on June 25, cutting off new downloads for services including VK Messenger, VK Music, and VK Video. The core VKontakte social media app reportedly remained accessible, but the sweep of ancillary services triggered immediate backlash from Moscow.
Russia’s Digital Development Ministry wasted no time labeling Apple’s decision “completely unprompted and unacceptable” and requested an investigation from the Federal Antimonopoly Service, known as FAS.
A pattern, not an anomaly
This isn’t the first time Apple has yanked VK Group’s apps from its marketplace. Back in September 2022, Apple removed VK applications in response to UK sanctions tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
VK Group warned that iPhone users will lose push notifications for the affected services following the removal. Historically, Apple has allowed previously installed apps to continue functioning after similar removals, meaning existing users can still access VK Messenger and other tools already on their devices. But without App Store availability, no new downloads, no updates, and eventually, degraded functionality.
