Apple has pulled the VKontakte app from its App Store, marking the removal of the last VK brand app available for iOS devices. With this move, users on Apple devices can no longer download any VK apps, effectively cutting off official access to the social network’s services on iPhones and iPads.
- This morning, Apple removed several VK-related apps from the App Store, including Dzen, VK Video, VK Messenger, VK Music, VK Dating, Odnoklassniki, and finally VKontakte.
- Previously downloaded VK apps will continue to function on Apple devices.
- VK services remain accessible on Android devices through platforms like RuStore, Google Play, Huawei AppGallery, Samsung Store, and Xiaomi Store.
Earlier today, Apple started removing multiple VK-owned apps from the App Store but left the VKontakte app available temporarily. The final removal of VKontakte completes Apple’s purge of the entire VK portfolio on its platform.
VK called Apple’s actions ”unmotivated and unacceptable,” emphasizing that the company is not under any sanctions. Android users can still download VK apps through various app stores including RuStore-a Russian alternative app marketplace that has gained traction amid geopolitical tensions-and major global app platforms. VK’s official websites also host app downloads.
VK, Russia’s dominant social network and part of the larger VK Holding, competes locally with services like Odnoklassniki while also providing messaging, music streaming, and video platforms. Apple’s removal of these apps contrasts with the continued presence of major Western social networks on iOS but reflects the growing geopolitical and regulatory pressures in the Russian digital ecosystem.
For VK users reliant on iOS, this development significantly restricts official access to their ecosystem. While sideloading remains an option, it lacks the convenience and security of the App Store. Whether Apple will restore these apps after further clarifications or if VK will develop alternative strategies-such as progressive web apps or partnerships with other device makers-remains to be seen.