Technology giant Apple Inc. has removed Russia’s state-backed messaging application, Max, from its App Store, according to the app’s developers.
The developers disclosed that the application became unavailable for download on Wednesday night and remained absent from Apple’s digital marketplace as of Thursday.
In a statement posted on its platform, Max informed users that the application was “temporarily unavailable for download in the App Store.”
Neither Apple nor Russian authorities have provided an official explanation for the removal, leaving the reasons behind the decision unclear.
The development comes amid efforts by Moscow to promote Max as a national alternative to foreign messaging services. Russian authorities have increasingly encouraged citizens and public institutions to adopt the platform while simultaneously tightening restrictions on widely used messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
Government agencies, state-owned companies, schools and public institutions have reportedly been directed to shift official communications to Max as part of broader efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technology platforms.
Launched in 2025 by VK, Max was developed as a multifunctional “super-app” offering messaging, social networking, government services, digital identification, banking and payment services within a single platform.
The application has frequently been compared to China’s WeChat because of its wide range of integrated services.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously praised the platform, describing it as a more secure option that supports the country’s drive toward what he termed “technological sovereignty.”
Despite its growing prominence in Russia, the platform has attracted criticism from digital rights advocates and cybersecurity experts over privacy concerns.
Unlike many major messaging applications, Max does not offer end-to-end encryption, a feature that prevents third parties from accessing users’ communications. The platform’s terms of service also state that all user data is stored exclusively on servers located within Russia.
Critics argue that these features could expose users to greater government oversight and surveillance, although Russian authorities maintain that the platform is designed to strengthen national digital infrastructure and data security.
Max has been pre-installed on devices sold in Russia since September but remains unavailable in the European Union.
