Apple removed multiple Russian applications from its App Store
Apple removed multiple Russian applications from its App Store, including those of VKontakte and other major Russian services, citing compliance with sanctions. Russian authorities and officials have condemned the move as politically motivated and have initiated investigations, with the Kremlin indicating they will contact Apple before taking any retaliatory measures.
Consensus
- Apple removed several Russian applications from its App Store on June 24, 2024.
- The removed apps included VKontakte, VK Music, VK Video, VK Messenger, and others.
- Russian authorities have criticized the removal as politically motivated and a violation of local laws.
- The Russian government plans to contact Apple before considering any retaliatory actions.
Points of divergence
- Apple cited compliance with sanctions as the reason for removing the apps, though it did not specify which sanctions. — fontanka
- The removal of the apps was described as politically motivated by a Russian deputy, and the government is considering retaliatory measures. — vm
- The removal is part of a broader policy by Apple to comply with sanctions, even though VKontakte itself was not on any sanction list. — meduza
- The removal may be due to pressure from Russian political forces in exile and international investors, suggesting Apple's actions were influenced by external pressures. — tvrain
- Apple's actions were interpreted as a response to pressure from international investors and political forces, not just compliance with Russian law. — kommersant
Coverage (9 sources)
- Will iPhones turn into pumpkins? Experts assess the likelihood of an Apple product ban in Russia — Фонтанка
- Russian Parliament Calls for Retaliatory Measures Against Apple Over Removal of Russian Apps — Вечерняя Москва
- Apple removes all VK apps from the App Store, angering Russian authorities. Will your iPhone become a brick? Can Apple be blocked in Russia? — Meduza
- Apple has deleted all VK apps. What to expect next? — Дождь
- Analyst Murtazin: Russian companies invested about 100 billion rubles in iPhones — Вечерняя Москва
- Analyst Murtazin Says New Apple Devices May Face Activation Issues in Russia — Вечерняя Москва
- Could iPhones disappear from Russia: Expert's forecast — Вечерняя Москва
- Peskov: Russian authorities will contact Apple regarding the removal of VK from the App Store — Коммерсантъ
- Ministry of Digital Affairs drew the Federal Antimonopoly Service's attention to Apple's non-compliance with Russian laws — Коммерсантъ
Key entities
- Apple
- Russia
- FAS
- Eldar Murtazin
- App Store
- Evening Moscow
- Dmitry Peskov
- Ministry of Digital Development
- VKontakte
- Mobile Research Group
- Crimea
- State Duma
- Ministry of Digital Development
- Ministry of Digital Development
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