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Russian citizens told "switch to Android" after Apple blocks key Russian apps
Ars Technica • • world
Key Points:
- In 2025, Russia led global requests for app removals from Apple's App Store, demanding the removal of 1,213 apps, many of which were VPNs aimed at bypassing Russia's strict internet censorship.
- Apple recently blocked key Russian apps VKontakte and Max, disabling their availability and push notifications on iPhones in Russia, prompting official complaints from both the Kremlin and VK Group.
- VK Group stated that Apple removed their apps without warning or legal justification, emphasizing that their Android versions remain fully functional across multiple platforms.
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov criticized Apple's actions as "bizarre" and questioned Apple's reliability as a service provider, while advising Russian users to switch to Android or domestic services as alternatives.
- Despite the rhetoric, the Kremlin acknowledges limited options in the face of Apple's decisions, focusing instead on encouraging users to adopt other platforms to maintain access to favored services.
