Full Breakdown
Apple Blocks VKontakte and Max in Russia, Prompting Calls to Switch to Android
6/27/2026, 4:30:02 AM
Core Event: Apple disables push notifications for VKontakte and Max
In early June 2026, Apple removed push-notification support for VKontakte and Max, two high-profile Russian apps. Existing installations remain functional, but without push notifications the apps lose core usability for iPhone users. Max was blocked the first week of June; VKontakte on June 25.
Background & Context: Russia’s demand for app removals and a closed internet
Apple’s 2025 App Store Transparency Report shows Russia led global app-removal requests, demanding deletion of 1,213 apps—mostly VPNs used to bypass state censorship. Vietnam ranked second with 335 requests. The Russian government frames these demands as part of building a “closed, spy-friendly, domestic version of the Internet,” seeking to ban “bad, degenerate” foreign apps while preserving domestic services like VKontakte and Max.
Key Figures & Groups
The primary actors are Apple Inc., which controls the iOS App Store; Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, representing the Russian government; VKontakte, Russia’s leading social-network platform; Max, a state-mandated messaging app; and an unnamed exile publication that has criticized Max’s surveillance capabilities.
Timeline of App Blocks
- First week of June 2026 – Apple disables push notifications for Max.
- June 25, 2026 – Apple disables push notifications for VKontakte.
- June 26, 2026 – Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov publicly requests an explanation from Apple regarding the VKontakte block.
Data & Statistics
- 1,213 apps requested for removal by Russia in 2025 (Apple’s App Store Transparency Report).
- 335 apps requested for removal by Vietnam in the same period.
- Two major Russian apps (VKontakte, Max) had push-notification services disabled in June 2026.
Official Statements & Responses
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Russian government expects a formal explanation from Apple for the VKontakte push-notification removal. Apple has not yet provided an explanation for the removals, and the affected apps continue to function without push support.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics note the contradiction of Russia demanding the removal of foreign VPN apps while protecting domestic platforms that enable state surveillance. An exile publication’s headline described Max as a messenger that “spies on users” and hides “a neural network for eavesdropping,” highlighting concerns over extensive monitoring.
Verbatim Quotes
- “the Russian government expects an explanation from Apple for the removal of VK apps.” — Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson
- “You already know Russia’s Max messenger spies on users. You probably don’t know just how many surveillance tools it hides, including even a neural network for eavesdropping.” — Exile publication headline
What’s Next
Russian officials have urged citizens to switch to Android devices, which are not subject to the same App Store restrictions. The Kremlin’s request for an explanation underscores the ongoing dispute, but no further actions have been announced.
