The internet is anxious again. After the European Union imposed sanctions against VK, and Apple and Google swept “VKontakte,” “Odnoklassniki,” and the MAX messenger out of their stores, everyone started talking about Yandex. The logic behind the prediction is simple: taxi infrastructure in Russia is tied to one company, so a blow to it would cause maximum damage to the economy. This is by no means a done deal, but it’s no longer worth being surprised by such a turn of events. Let me remind you that back in June, VK services and the MAX messenger disappeared from the App Store, so the precedent is very recent.
These apps are worth keeping on your iPhone, even if you don’t use them right now
Why Yandex Apps Might Be Removed from the App Store
The first warning signs have already appeared. In early July, Apple removed “Yandex Pay” from international versions of the App Store, leaving the app available only in Russia. No one gave an official reason, but the coincidence with the sanctions wave is too obvious. Britain added Yandex’s subsidiary banks and Wildberries to its sanctions lists, and where sanctions appear, sooner or later the app store purges begin.
Let’s lay out the chain of events by dates. In early June, Apple removed MAX, on June 25 all VK services followed, on July 13 the European Union imposed direct sanctions against the holding company, and on July 16 VK and MAX apps disappeared from Google Play as well. The pattern repeats like a template: first sanctions, then storefront cleanup. In this picture, Yandex looks like the most painful target, since half of urban logistics runs on its taxi and delivery services.
A separate headache is specifically taxis. The entire operation is tied to one service, and if Yandex apps drop out of the store, millions of people will instantly lose their usual way of calling a car. That’s exactly why analysts are calling Yandex the next candidate for removal.
Will Yandex Apps Continue to Work After Being Removed from the App Store
It’s too early to panic, and here’s why. The VK story showed an extremely clear picture: already installed apps continue to work. The feed loads, authorization goes through, maps build routes. What disappears is something else — the ability to download the app again and, more importantly, push notifications. After MAX was removed, it was the notifications that broke first, not the messenger itself.
In other words, if you already have “Yandex Maps” or “Yandex Go” on your iPhone, they won’t go anywhere after being removed from the store. But problems will start when you reinstall, switch phones, or reset settings. That’s when you won’t be able to get the app back from the App Store, and that’s the main risk for iPhone owners.
There’s another unpleasant issue. Updates also stop coming, which means over time the app will fall behind in features and security. While it works, new features and patches from the developer won’t reach you anymore. That’s why keeping a fresh version on your device isn’t paranoia — it’s sensible insurance.
Which Yandex Services You Should Install on Your iPhone Now
Right now Yandex apps are available without any issues, so I recommend everyone download them
My advice is extremely simple: install the apps you need in advance while they’re still there. It’ll take five minutes at most, and it’ll save your nerves for a long time. Even if the service is later removed from the App Store, the installed version will stay on your iPhone. Below I’ve compiled the key Yandex apps with direct links to the store so you don’t have to search manually.
- Yandex Maps and Navigator — maps, traffic, and voice prompts all in one place.
- Yandex Navigator — a standalone navigator for drivers with offline route planning.
- Yandex Go — taxi, delivery, and scooters, the main service for getting around.
- Yandex Eats — food delivery from restaurants and cafes.
- Yandex Lavka — groceries and household essentials in minutes.
- Yandex Pay — QR payments, cashback, and installments. It’s already been removed from the international App Store, so download it while it’s still available.
- Yandex Browser — a fast browser with Alice and Protect security.
- Yandex with Alice — search, smart camera, and voice assistant.
- Yandex Music — tracks, podcasts, and audiobooks with Plus subscription.
- Yandex Market — a marketplace with millions of products and delivery.
- Kinopoisk — an online cinema with movies, series, and ratings.
I especially recommend not waiting on maps, navigator, and Go, because being on the road without them is really rough. Install the rest based on your personal preferences — it definitely won’t hurt. As for when VK will return to the store, there’s no clarity yet, and the same suspended uncertainty could easily repeat with Yandex.
What to Do If an App Disappears from the App Store
Most Yandex services work perfectly fine in a browser
Even if the worst-case scenario plays out, you won’t be left entirely without Yandex. On Android, the apps have long been available in RuStore, AppGallery, and other Russian app stores. iPhone owners have fewer options, but web versions of the services work reliably in a browser, and some features are available directly through the “Yandex with Alice” app.
Separately, keep push notifications in mind. If Yandex repeats the fate of MAX, the first thing to break on iPhone could be exactly those. So important alerts from taxi or delivery will need to be checked manually.
The advice is simple and without unnecessary drama: don’t wait for official announcements and rumors. Download what you use every day and go on living peacefully. Five minutes now will save you a headache later.
