The owner of VKontakte VK states in a statement that it was blocked, but promised to continue making apps for iOS. Apple said in response The Verge that the VK app has indeed been removed from App Stores worldwide. The developer account has also been suspended. Users who already have VKontakte on their iPhone can continue using the app for now.
“This app is distributed by developers who are majority owned or controlled by one or more parties approved by the UK government,” Apple said in a statement.
In addition to VKontakte, other applications from VK have also been removed: mail.ru, mail.ru Cloud, VK Music and VK Clips. For now, the VK app is still available on the Android app store Google Play Store.
VK should be promoted by Apple
It is unknown why the VK app was pulled from the App Store at this time. CEO Vladimir Kirijenko has been on the UK sanctions list since March. British founder Pavel Durov was expelled from the company in 2016 because he did not want to cooperate with the authorities. Now Durov heads up the popular messaging app Telegram.
The VK app has been available since the beginning of last year forced on the new iPhone installation screen. With this obligation, the Russian government wants to ensure that self-made applications and services will become more popular. Anyone who does not do so will no longer be allowed to sell products in Russia. Since early March, Apple has been stop selling in Russia.
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