Apple has removed the Russian social network VK app from its App Store worldwide. The social media company said the VKontakte app is “not available for download and updates in the App Store.” However, apps already installed on Apple devices will continue to work, but there may be some issues with payments and notifications. Additionally, users can access the VK social network through the mobile website.
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“VK will continue to develop and support apps for iOS. Our experts are doing everything they can to maintain and continue to improve the user experience,” the company said in a post. However, it did not specify how these apps would be distributed outside of the App Store, as Apple does not allow users to sideload apps. Last year, in compliance with local laws, Apple included VK in the recommended apps that appeared when setting up an iPhone in Russia.
Apple has removed the Russian social network VK app from the App Store due to UK sanctions on Russian companies.
The VK app is still available on the Google Play Store.
In response to Apple’s removal of the VK app, the Russian Ministry of Digital Information told state-run media outlet RT that it had asked Apple for a reason for the removal. It also warned that it had an unspecified “action plan” based on the response. Specifically, Apple removed the RT and Sputnik from the App Store in March.
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After Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine earlier this year, Apple suspended sales of its products and stopped search ads in the Russian App Store.
Information source: techcrunch.com
