On the evening of June 3, unexpected news broke that Apple removed MAX from the App Store. It immediately raised questions among Android users: what about us? Could Google Play also remove the app soon? And what will happen to our chats if that occurs? I’m breaking it down step by step — without unnecessary panic and without naive predictions — in case MAX gets removed on Android.

Will Google get rid of MAX messenger?

Why Apple Removed MAX from the App Store

There is no official reason from either Apple or the developer. The MAX messenger team confirmed the removal and stated they had sent a request to Apple and were working on a solution. That’s where the specifics end.

Context that helps understand the situation: earlier, Cloudflare temporarily flagged the max.ru domain as spyware — the label lasted a day before being removed. Israeli company Clear Gate conducted a security audit of MAX and gave it a high rating. However, independent researchers documented the fact that MAX blocks VPN — meaning the app analyzes the network environment, detects the presence of a VPN, and restricts functionality. This is atypical behavior for a messenger, and it may have been one of the signals for App Store moderators.

MAX was indeed removed from the App Store

The dangers of MAX messenger in terms of privacy have been discussed separately — without paranoia and without excuses. What’s important for iPhone users: those who already installed the MAX app can continue using it normally. Features still work. But updating or reinstalling the app through the App Store is currently not possible. And this is the key difference from Android.

Can You Still Download MAX on Android

On Android, nothing has changed at all. MAX on Google Play is present, available for download and updates as usual. You can download MAX right now from:

  • Google Play — the primary option;
  • RuStore — a Russian app store that works on all Android devices;
  • Huawei AppGallery — for HUAWEI smartphones without Google;
  • Samsung Store, Xiaomi Store, Vivo Store — for devices of the respective brands;
  • Official website max.ru — direct APK file.

You can install MAX and update it through any of these sources right now. There are no restrictions. MAX on Android works in normal mode: messages, calls, channels, notifications.

Will MAX Be Removed from Google Play

Now we’re waiting for MAX to be removed from Google Play

The question is legitimate. There is a possibility, and here’s why. Google Play, like the App Store, moderates apps according to privacy policies. The MAX app has documented behavioral traits that the app store could theoretically classify as policy violations:

  • MAX doesn’t work through VPN — the app detects the presence of an active VPN connection and restricts message sending;
  • The app analyzes the list of installed VPN apps on the device, even when the VPN is turned off;
  • It establishes connections to competitors’ servers.

It is precisely these factors (primarily the VPN behavior) that could be classified by the moderation system as signs of spyware or aggressive software. The App Store has already reacted. Google Play has not yet, but that’s no guarantee a response won’t follow. However, there is a fundamental difference. Android is an open system. Even if MAX is removed from Google Play, it doesn’t mean the end of MAX on your phone.

What Will Happen After MAX Is Removed on Android

Unlike iPhone, Android allows installing apps from any source. If Google ever removes MAX from Google Play, it will be inconvenient but not critical.

MAX on Android after a potential removal from Google Play can still be:

  • Installed from RuStore — a Russian app store not subject to Google’s policies;
  • Downloaded as an APK directly from the max.ru website and installed manually;
  • Updated through the same channels.

An important detail worth mentioning separately: notifications on Android will not be affected. On iPhone, the notification issue arises because Apple centrally controls the push notification system, and apps without the App Store cannot receive them in normal mode.

Nothing critical will happen even after removal

On Android, push notifications work through Google services (Firebase) and through manufacturers’ own notification channels (Xiaomi, Samsung, HUAWEI). An app installed from an APK or RuStore receives notifications exactly the same way as one installed from Google Play. There is no difference for the user.

MAX messenger has been removed from the App Store, and that’s reality — while a block on Android hasn’t happened yet, it can’t be ruled out. The main thing to understand right now is: even in the worst-case scenario on Android, MAX cannot be completely removed — RuStore and APK remain working alternatives that don’t depend on Google’s decisions.