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Apple pulled 16 applications belonging to Russia’s VK Group from the App Store on June 25, cutting off new downloads for services including VK Messenger, VK Music, and VK Video. The core VKontakte social media app reportedly remained accessible, but the sweep of ancillary services triggered immediate backlash from Moscow.
Russia’s Digital Development Ministry wasted no time labeling Apple’s decision “completely unprompted and unacceptable” and requested an investigation from the Federal Antimonopoly Service, known as FAS.
A pattern, not an anomaly
This isn’t the first time Apple has yanked VK Group’s apps from its marketplace. Back in September 2022, Apple removed VK applications in response to UK sanctions tied to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
VK Group warned that iPhone users will lose push notifications for the affected services following the removal. Historically, Apple has allowed previously installed apps to continue functioning after similar removals, meaning existing users can still access VK Messenger and other tools already on their devices. But without App Store availability, no new downloads, no updates, and eventually, degraded functionality.
Why crypto should pay attention
The recent removal of the state-backed Max messenger preceded the VK sweep, suggesting Apple is conducting a broader compliance review of Russian-linked applications.
Telegram, which has deep roots in Russian tech culture despite founder Pavel Durov’s complicated relationship with the Kremlin, has become a de facto financial infrastructure layer in parts of the former Soviet Union. Its TON blockchain ecosystem, wallet integrations, and peer-to-peer payment channels have grown partly because traditional Western services keep getting restricted.
What this means for investors
VK Group is not publicly traded on Western exchanges, and no major token projects have direct exposure to the company’s app ecosystem.
The FAS antitrust investigation requested by Russia’s Digital Development Ministry is worth monitoring, though its practical impact on Apple will likely be minimal. Apple has already been fined repeatedly by Russian regulators and has shown limited interest in reversing course on sanctions-related decisions.
Disclosure: This article was edited by Editorial Team. For more information on how we create and review content, see our Editorial Policy.
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