- Apple has 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 removed push notifications for calls and messages.
- The Kremlin has aggressively pushed MAX as a mandatory ‘national messenger’ to centralize national digital communications.
Apple has removed Russian 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 news agency TASS that the app is no longer available for download. Independent local sources have also verified that the platform is still not available on iOS devices.
While the MAX app continues to work normally for users who already have it installed, the developer confirmed that these 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 accordance with the laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates, although it did not specify what exact sanctions triggered the enforcement.
TechRadar has contacted 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 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 an essential part of citizens’ digital lives.
In June 2025, President Vladimir Putin signed a law establishing MAX as a “national multifunctional courier.” In September, the software became a mandatory pre-installation on all new smartphones and tablets sold in Russia.
As Russian internet regulator Roskomnadzor intensifies its limitation and disruption of foreign platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram, citizens have increasingly turned to MAX. Previously, Telegram was one of the few global platforms that could be accessed without a VPN.
However, digital rights and security experts have warned of its “enormous surveillance potential” since MAX’s launch.
More recently, US infrastructure giant Cloudflare flagged MAX as “spyware”, although the label was later removed, according to Russian independent news outlet Meduza.
Other technical analyzes have suggested that MAX can detect whether users have a VPN connection enabled, along with other invasive tools to spy on user activities.
MAX has strongly rejected accusations that the app can spy on its users.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to receive news, reviews and opinions from our experts in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
