Apple Blocks VK and Max: What It Means for Russia

Apple has removed VKontakte and the state-backed Max messenger from its App Store for Russian iPhone users.

Apple just pulled two of Russia's most-used apps from its store

Apple has blocked VKontakte and the state-backed Max messenger from its App Store for iPhone users in Russia, cutting off downloads of two apps that sit at the center of Russian online life.

How the block actually works on your iPhone

This is a store-level removal, not a remote wipe.

Why VK says this makes no sense

VK Group, the developer behind VKontakte, came out swinging.

The bigger picture: Russia loves bans, but only the ones it picks

There is a heavy dose of irony here, and it is worth sitting with.

Get the full story

Read the complete breakdown, fixes and what happens next.