Apple removes Russian social media giant VK's apps from the App Store

Apple has removed several Russian social media apps, led by VK, from the App Store. VK reacted by stating the decision was baseless.

Scraper SystemJune 25, 2026, 02:51 PM

Apple removes Russian social media giant VK's apps from the App Store

Apple has removed some popular apps owned by the Russia-based social media and technology company VK from the App Store. The removed apps include VK, Zen, VK Video, VK Messenger, VK Music, VK Dating, and Odnoklassniki. The company announced that these apps can no longer be downloaded to Apple devices and existing installed versions cannot be updated.

In a written statement from VK, it was stated that Apple unilaterally removed the apps without any prior warning. The statement noted that VK is not on any sanctions list and said, "Apple's decision restricts access to services heavily used by Russian users."

The statement emphasized that because the apps cannot be updated, users may not receive instant notifications about messages and important developments, and expressed, "We find Apple's steps against Russian users baseless and unacceptable."

Apple had previously removed numerous apps belonging to Russian companies from the App Store. Russia, in turn, had imposed access blocks on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.