- Apple removed the state-backed MAX app from its App Store to comply with international sanctions.
- While the app still works for existing users, Apple has discontinued push notifications for calls and messages.
- The Kremlin has aggressively pushed MAX as a mandatory ‘national messenger’ to centralize domestic digital communications
Apple has removed Russia’s state-backed MAX Messenger from the App Store.
Russian users first reported the app’s disappearance on the evening of Wednesday, June 3, when it disappeared from App Store search results and direct download links.
The developer behind MAX later confirmed to state-run news agency TASS that the application is no longer available for download. Independent local sources have also confirmed that the platform remains unavailable on iOS devices.
While the MAX app will continue to function normally for users who already have it installed, the developer confirmed that those users will no longer receive push notifications for incoming messages and calls.
In a statement, Apple confirmed that it removed the MAX app from the App Store in accordance with sanctions compliance rules.
The tech giant noted that it operates in compliance with the laws of the jurisdictions where it does business, although it did not specify what exact penalties triggered the enforcement.
TechRadar has reached out to Apple for further comment on the removal, and we will update this page as soon as we receive a response.
What is MAX Messenger?
Developed by tech giant VK – the company behind Mail.ru and the social network VKontakte – MAX launched in March 2025 as a state-approved alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram.
From the beginning, the Kremlin made it clear that the super app was destined to become a significant part of citizens’ digital lives.
In June 2025, President Vladimir Putin signed a law establishing MAX as a “national multifunctional messenger.” In September, the software became a mandatory pre-installation on all new smartphones and tablets sold in Russia.
As Russia’s internet regulator Roskomnadzor intensifies its throttling and disruption of foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, citizens increasingly turned to MAX. Previously, Telegram was one of the few global platforms available without a VPN.
However, digital rights and security experts have warned of its “enormous surveillance potential” since the launch of MAX.
Recently, US infrastructure giant Cloudflare flagged MAX as “spyware”, though the label was later removed, according to independent Russian news outlet Meduza.
Other technical analysis has suggested that MAX can detect if users have a VPN connection enabled, along with other invasive tools to spy on users’ activities.
MAX has strongly denied claims that the app can spy on its users.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
