Apple has removed Russia's largest social media platform from its App Store, says the Russian tech firm VK.

It now means that iPhones and iPads could no longer download the VKontakte app from the official app marketplace of the giant phone maker.

But how about the other apps from the Russian tech giant VK?

(Photo : CHRIS DELMAS/AFP via Getty Images)
This illustration photo shows the Apple app store logo reflected from an iPhone onto the back of an iMac in Los Angeles, August 26, 2021.

Apple Boots Out Russia's Largest Social Media on App Store

As per the latest report by Apple Insider, the Cupertino-based tech giant has booted out the largest social media app in the Russian nation from the App Store. Thus, the Vkontakte app is nowhere to be found on the app marketplace for iPhones.

The news outlet notes that the hit Russian social media app draws millions of downloads from the App Store alone.

But this time, iPhone and iPad users could no longer download it straight from the App Store after the tech giant reportedly removed it.

The owner of the social media app, VK, revealed in its recent statement that its apps have been removed from the Apple App Store.

Its platforms, including VK Music, Mail.ru, and Youla classified, are no longer available in the said app marketplace. Not to mention that this social media app has been reportedly kicked out as well.

(Photo : OLGA MALTSEVA/AFP via Getty Images)
 A picture shows the logo of Russian social media platform VK (formerly VKontakte) during the St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), at the ExpoForum convention and exhibition centre in Saint Petersburg, on June 15, 2022.

According to a news story by The Verge, the statement confirms that "some VK applications are blocked by Apple."

Why Was it Removed from the App Store?

While VK has already confirmed that some of its platforms are no longer accessible from the App Store, it did not explain why it has been "blocked." So it is still unclear why these Russian apps suddenly vanished into thin air from the online app storefront.

However, The Verge notes in its report that the Ministry of Digital Affairs of Russia disclosed to its state media, RT, that it is now carrying out an investigation. It says it is still looking into why Apple deleted VK apps and their developer accounts.

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Are These VK Apps Still Working on iPhones, iPads?

Apple Insider reports that those who have previously installed the affected Russian apps would still have it on their phones. But if new users would want to install, it is impossible to do so via the App Store.

The online news outlet notes that current users might experience some issues when trying to use payments using these "blocked" apps.

VK further assures its users that it continues to work on iOS apps and its support is unaffected.

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Written by Teejay Boris