Russia has eliminated all iOS apps from VK, the second largest tech firm in Russia, The Verge has reported. That contains not simply the VK social media app that is the fifth hottest in Russia, however others like Mail.ru and VK Music. The transfer was made in response to UK sanctions towards the Russian authorities.  

VK confirmed that “some VK applications are blocked by Apple, so they are not available for download and update in the App Store,” in line with a (Google translated) press release. “Their core functionality will be familiar and stable… [but] there may be difficulties with notifications and payments. VK will continue to develop and support applications for iOS.”

These apps are being distributed by builders majority-owned or majority-controlled by a number of events sanctioned by the UK authorities. In order to adjust to these sanctions, Apple terminated the developer accounts related to these apps, and the apps can’t be downloaded from any App Store, no matter location.

Apple confirmed that it eliminated the apps and shut down VK’s developer accounts. “These apps are being distributed by developers majority-owned or majority-controlled by one or more parties sanctioned by the UK government,” a spokesperson informed The Verge. “In order to comply with these sanctions, Apple terminated the developer accounts associated with these apps, and the apps cannot be downloaded from any App Store, regardless of location. Users who have already downloaded these apps may continue to use them.”

Earlier this week, the UK authorities imposed sanctions on Russian oligarchs over the sham referendums held in Ukraine. Included within the record are executives from Gazprombank, a Russian financial institution with ties to VK. “Today’s sanctions will target those behind these sham votes, as well as the individuals that continue to prop up the Russian regime’s war of aggression,” mentioned UK overseas secretary James Cleverly in a statement. 

Russia’s Ministry of Digital Affairs informed state media site RT that it is investigating the explanations for the elimination. The apps are nonetheless out there on Google Play — Engadget has reached out to Google to see if it plans to comply with Apple’s lead. 

Earlier this yr, Apple halted gross sales of all its merchandise in Russia in response to the Ukraine invasion, whereas additionally limiting Apple Pay and pulling apps from retailers like RT and Sputnik. Last yr, a Russian legislation went into impact that required Samsung, Apple and different producers to pre-install Russian apps like VK and Yandex on gadgets offered there.