Apple Removes VK Apps From App Store as Sanctions Hit CEO Vladimir Kiriyenko
Updated
Updated · The Moscow Times · Jun 25
Apple Removes VK Apps From App Store as Sanctions Hit CEO Vladimir Kiriyenko
3 articles · Updated · The Moscow Times · Jun 25
Summary
VK said Apple pulled its apps from the App Store, cutting off iPhone users from VKontakte and Odnoklassniki and ending push notifications for existing users.
Apple did not immediately comment, but the move follows sanctions on VK CEO Vladimir Kiriyenko, who is under U.S., EU and British restrictions even as VK says the company itself is unsanctioned.
Dmitry Peskov said the Kremlin expects an explanation from Apple and urged Russians to switch to other operating systems, while VK apps remained available on Android.
September 2022 marked Apple’s last removal of VK apps over British sanctions, though access was restored within a month; earlier this month, Apple also removed state-backed messaging app Max.