Global tech giant **Apple** has reportedly removed the Russian state-backed messaging application, **Max** (Макс), from its App Store, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Russian officials who labeled it "unfriendly." The application's disappearance this week renders it unavailable for download on iPhones and iPads for new users, though existing users can still access it without updates or notifications. Russia's Digital Development Minister, **Maksut Shadaev**, stated that **Apple** had provided no explanation for the decision to the app's developers, effectively denying access to approximately 20 million Russian users. While **Apple** has not publicly commented on the matter, a statement to BBC Russia indicated the app was removed "in compliance with sanctions regulations," without specifying which sanctions apply. ### Max: Russia's Digital Hub and Surveillance Concerns **Max** was developed by **VK**, one of Russia's largest technology companies, and is modeled after China's **WeChat**. The platform integrates messaging and voice calls with a range of government services, digital identification, electronic signatures, and payment functionalities. Russian authorities have actively promoted **Max** as a domestic alternative to foreign messaging platforms such as **Telegram** and **WhatsApp**, going so far as to mandate its pre-installation on smartphones and tablets sold in Russia since last September. Authorities claim the platform boasts a daily audience exceeding 60 million users. Digital rights advocates have voiced significant concerns about **Max**, pointing to its deep integration with government infrastructure and a reported lack of end-to-end encryption. These features, they argue, could facilitate state surveillance of user communications and activities. In a notable incident in April, internet infrastructure provider **Cloudflare** briefly classified **Max** as spyware before retracting the label. **Max** representatives attributed this to a "misunderstanding" of web analytics traffic. ### Fallout and Geopolitical Context Following its removal from **Apple**'s marketplace, Russian media reported a significant decline in activity on the **Max** platform, including fewer posts and active channels. Despite the **Apple** App Store removal, the application remains accessible for Android users via **Google Play** and Russia's domestic **RuStore**. Russian officials have condemned **Apple**'s decision. **Mikhail Oseevsky**, head of telecommunications operator **Rostelecom**, reportedly called **Apple** "enemies" and described the move as "absolutely unfriendly." **Max**'s developers have stated they are seeking clarification from **Apple** and are actively working towards a resolution. This incident unfolds against a broader backdrop of Russia's increasing efforts to assert control over its digital landscape. Since the invasion of Ukraine, Western technology companies have scaled back operations in the country, prompting the Kremlin to push for greater reliance on domestic digital services. Concurrently, Russia has frequently restricted access to foreign platforms and services, seeking to centralize online communications. Notably, **Apple** has previously removed applications from its Russian App Store, often in response to requests from the internet regulator **Roskomnadzor**, particularly concerning VPN services.