Apple device users around the world have encountered significant changes in the Russian segment of the App Store. Without prior notice or official statements, the company removed key services of the VK holding from its digital store. The list of disappeared applications includes popular products such as "Odnoklassniki", "Dzen", and the Mail.ru email service.
What exactly disappeared from the App Store?
Users have confirmed that the specified applications no longer appear in search results and are unavailable for download. However, the scale of affected services turned out to be significantly broader than just social networks. The following were removed from the store:
- VK Video video platform;
- VK Music music service;
- VK Messenger messaging app;
- VK Dating dating service;
- VK Calls calling app.
This effectively deprives iPhone and iPad owners of the ability to legally install or update these products through Apple's official store.
VK's position: discrimination and violation of user rights
Representatives of the VK holding reacted to the situation with sharp criticism. In their statement, the company called Apple's actions "discriminatory against millions of users." VK paid special attention to the technical consequences of the ban.
Although programs already installed on devices will continue to function, users will face a serious limitation: they will stop receiving critically important push notifications. This is because Apple servers block the operation of push message services for removed applications, making the use of messengers and social networks less convenient and efficient.
Legal aspect and history of the conflict
The holding emphasizes that VK's legal structure is not included on sanctions lists. Moreover, company representatives claim that they previously provided Apple with all necessary opinions from international and American lawyers confirming the absence of violations. Despite this, the American side decided to close access without any official explanations.
The situation with the removal of VK services is not unprecedented. In early June 2026, the corporate messenger Max, also owned by the holding, disappeared from the App Store. At that time, Apple representatives commented on the removal as a "measure to comply with international sanctions and laws of jurisdictions in which the company operates".
Difference between iOS and Android
It is important to note that the restrictions affected exclusively the Apple ecosystem. For users of Android-based devices, the situation remains unchanged. All programs removed from the App Store are still available for download and update in alternative app stores and can also be installed directly from the developers' official websites.