Apple pulls VK apps from App Retailer, Russia calls for rationalization (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has pulled apps created by Russian tech firm VK from its App Retailer and the nation’s communications regulatory company has demanded an evidence from the tech large, Reuters reported.

Roskomnadzor, Russia’s communications regulator, stated Apple’s (AAPL) motion to take away VK’s apps, together with Russia’s largest social community, Vkontakte, which has greater than 75M month-to-month lively customers, disadvantaged Russian residents of entry and requested for a cause why the apps have been eliminated.

“The company believes that such discriminatory restrictions, which violate the precise of Russian web customers to freely obtain info and talk, are unacceptable,” Roskomnadzor stated in an announcement obtained by Reuters.

Together with Vkontakte, VK’s e-mail service, Mail.ru, have to be pre-installed on all cellular units offered in Russia.

On Tuesday, VK stated its apps which have already been put in on smartphones have been nonetheless working and that it will proceed to developer and help apps for iOS.

Apple (AAPL) didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark from Searching for Alpha.

Earlier this month, Russia’s Commerce and Business Minister stated that Apple’s (AAPL) new iPhone 14 can be out there within the nation due to the nation’s parallel import scheme.

In March, Apple (AAPL) banned the sale of its merchandise in Russia following the nation’s invasion of Ukraine.

Cupertino, California-based Apple (AAPL) confirmed earlier this week that it will produce some iPhone 14 models in India.