Apple has removed Russia’s state-backed Max messenger from its App Store, according to the app’s developers.
In a statement released on Thursday, Max said the application became unavailable for download on Apple devices after disappearing from the App Store on Wednesday night. Apple has not commented on the removal, and the reason remains unclear.
The Russian government has strongly promoted Max in recent months. Officials have encouraged citizens to install the platform, while government agencies, schools, state-owned companies and civil servants have increasingly moved their communications to the app.
Critics have raised concerns about privacy, noting that Max does not use end-to-end encryption. The platform’s terms state that user data is stored exclusively on servers located in Russia.
Apple and Google have previously removed dozens of Russian applications, including apps linked to companies sanctioned by Western countries. Existing Max users in Russia can still access the app, but new users cannot download it, and updates are unavailable through the App Store.
Launched in 2025 by Russian technology company VK, Max has been compared with China’s WeChat. The platform combines messaging, social media, banking services, digital payments, government services and digital identification features.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has described Max as a secure platform that supports
the country’s goal of achieving technological sovereignty.
The app comes pre-installed on phones and tablets sold in Russia but is not available within the European Union.
