Apple has removed apps linked to the VK group from the App Store, according to the press service of VKontakte. Earlier, media outlets had reported that VK services had disappeared from the app marketplace.
According to the company, users can no longer download VKontakte, Zen, Odnoklassniki, Mail.ru, Skillbox, VK Video, VK Messenger, VK Music, and VK Dating.
VK’s press service said Apple made the decision unilaterally and issued no prior warning. The company described the move as unjustified and unacceptable.
“By its actions, Apple is restricting Russian users’ access to in-demand services used daily by tens of millions of people: social networks, messengers, video platforms, email, and educational products. Apple’s actions will result in users no longer receiving push notifications about messages and important events,” VK said.
At the time of publication, Apple had not commented on reports about the removal of the apps.
This is not the first such case. Apple had previously removed VK apps from Apple Pay. At that time, the company said the developers were controlled by entities subject to UK sanctions. The apps were later restored.