Russia’s ‘national messenger’ app Max must be preinstalled on new devices soon.

The government is forcing the state-backed, Telegram-like messaging service Max onto new gadgets as of September 1st. There’s also a new iOS requirement for the RuStore app store (despite Apple exiting Russia in 2022), matching Android, and next year, all smart TVs will need the Lime HD TV app. [Link: Russia orders state-backed MAX messenger app, a WhatsApp rival, pre-installed on phones and tablets | https://www.reuters.com/technology/russia-orders-state-backed-max-messenger-app-whatsapp-rival-pre-installed-phones-2025-08-21/ | Reuters]

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