Story perspectives

Apple Removes VPN Apps from Russian App Store Amid Censorship

4/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

Apple removed virtual private network (VPN) and proxy applications from the Russian App Store, including Streisand and v2RayTun.
The move follows Russia's intensified internet censorship efforts after Telegram's shutdown.
Android users can still access these apps on Google Play, while iPhone users lose updates and support.
Experts say Russia's blocking strategies are evolving toward custom proxy tools to tighten internet access, leaving iPhone users with fewer options.

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Story summary

Apple removed virtual private network (VPN) and proxy applications from the Russian App Store, including Streisand and v2RayTun.
The move follows Russia's intensified internet censorship efforts after Telegram's shutdown.
Android users can still access these apps on Google Play, while iPhone users lose updates and support.
Experts say Russia's blocking strategies are evolving toward custom proxy tools to tighten internet access, leaving iPhone users with fewer options.