Yesterday, June 25, Apple removed the entire VK ecosystem from the Russian App Store: VKontakte, VK Music, VK Messenger, VK Video, VK Dating disappeared from the catalog, as well as Odnoklassniki and Mail. The logical question is: could Google similarly clean out the Play Store and wipe Russian services from it? So far, this hasn’t happened. Even Max remains available on Google Play. That said, this is most likely temporary, because the national messenger could be shut down entirely. Today we’ll try to figure out what’s going on.

VK could be removed from Google Play just as unexpectedly as from the App Store

What Exactly Happened to VK Apps in the App Store

VK officially confirmed the removal of its apps from the App Store. Already installed apps still work for now, but updating them or downloading them again on a new iPhone through official channels is no longer possible. Searching for them in the store returns nothing.

The reason cited is British sanctions against VK’s leadership. Apple, as an American corporation, is obligated to comply with sanctions restrictions, and demands from Russian officials for “explanations” are unlikely to change this policy. For iPhone owners, this means one thing: familiar VK services will now have to be accessed through a browser or by finding workarounds.

Can Google Remove VK from the Play Store?

Fortunately, you can install the VK app on Android even without Google Play

The short answer is — yes, it can. Google is the same kind of American company, subject to the same sanctions laws as Apple. Hiding apps from the Play Store catalog is no harder for Google than it was for Apple to remove them from the App Store. We’ve already seen this when Russian bank clients disappeared from the store due to sanctions.

So Google absolutely has the ability to follow Apple’s lead. The difference isn’t in whether Google can press the button, but in what that button actually changes for the average user.

Where to Download VK After Removal from Google Play

The key difference lies in the very nature of the operating systems. Apple keeps users locked inside the App Store: there are simply no other official ways for a regular iPhone owner to install apps. Android works differently — it’s an open system where the Google store is not the only source of apps.

The most reliable way to install VK in Russia is through RuStore

Even if Google were to conduct a total catalog purge tomorrow, Android smartphone owners would still have several simple ways to get VK back:

  • Download the installation file in APK format
  • Update through RuStore — the Russian app store
  • Use AppGallery if you have a Huawei smartphone

An APK is a standard Android app installation file that can be installed manually, bypassing the Play Store. This is exactly why removal from the official store on Android doesn’t cut off access to the service — it just adds a couple of extra steps during installation.

RuStore and APK installation give Android owners backup routes that bypass the Play Store.

What VK Users on Android Should Do Right Now

If you use an iPhone and are deeply invested in VK services, you’re already out of options: you can’t download the app again, but installed versions will continue to work. Already installed apps still work for now, so unless absolutely necessary, it’s better not to delete them — you won’t be able to reinstall them officially. Music and the feed can be accessed through the mobile version of the website in a browser.

Android owners have no reason to rush. Even in the worst-case scenario, all you’d need to do is visit RuStore once and download the social network client from there.

What Ultimately Threatens Russian Apps on Google Play

Apple’s move hits hard precisely because of iOS’s closed nature: iPhone owners will have to get used to browser versions or learn workarounds. Potential similar actions by Google would remain more of a symbolic gesture without real consequences for users.

Android’s openness works in the device owner’s favor here: even if removed from the official store, the app can be restored in a minute. This is a good reminder that on Android, it’s you who decides what to install on your smartphone, not the app store.