Apple has reportedly removed Russia's state-backed messaging app Max (Макс) from its App Store, drawing criticism from Russian officials, who called the move "unfriendly."

The app disappeared from Apple's marketplace this week, according to Max's press service, making it unavailable for download on iPhones and iPads. Users who had already installed the application can still use it but no longer receive updates or notifications, the company said.

Russia's Digital Development Minister, Maksut Shadaev, said on Thursday that Apple had not explained the decision to the app's developers and had effectively denied access to about 20 million Russians.

Apple has not publicly commented on the decision. However, in a statement to BBC Russia, the company said the app had been removed "in compliance with sanctions regulations," without specifying which sanctions were involved.

Following the app's removal from Apple's store, Russian media reported a sharp decline in activity on the platform, including fewer posts and active channels. The application remains available on Android devices through Google Play and Russia's RuStore.

Russian authorities have promoted Max as a domestic alternative to foreign messaging platforms such as Telegram and WhatsApp. Since September last year, smartphone and tablet manufacturers have been required to preinstall the application on devices sold in Russia.

Max was developed by one of the country's largest technology companies, VK, and is modeled on China's WeChat. The platform combines messaging and voice calls with access to government services, digital identification, electronic signatures, and payment functions. Authorities say the platform's daily audience exceeds 60 million users.

At the time of its removal, Max was the ninth most downloaded application in Russia's App Store, according to independent outlet Meduza, which reported that the remaining top positions were occupied by virtual private network (VPN) services.

Russian officials have increasingly encouraged citizens to use domestic digital services as Western technology companies have scaled back operations in the country following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, the Kremlin has sought greater control over online communications, frequently restricting access to foreign platforms and services.

Digital rights advocates have criticized Max, arguing that its close integration with government infrastructure and lack of end-to-end encryption could make it easier for authorities to monitor users' communications and activities.

In April, internet infrastructure provider Cloudflare briefly classified Max as spyware, although the label was later removed. The company did not publicly explain the change, but Max representatives said at the time that the designation resulted from a "misunderstanding" of web analytics traffic rather than evidence of malicious behavior.

Russian officials condemned Apple's move. Mikhail Oseevsky, head of telecommunications operator Rostelecom, called Apple "enemies" and described the decision as "absolutely unfriendly." Max's developers said they had asked Apple to clarify the reason for the removal and were working on a solution.

Apple has not responded to a Recorded Future News request for comment.

Apple has previously removed apps from the Russian App Store. Unlike in the case of Max, however, those takedowns have often followed requests from Russian authorities. Russian media have reported that Apple regularly removes VPN applications from its Russian store at the request of internet regulator Roskomnadzor.