Russia announces that it will require the pre-installation of the state-run messenger app 'MAX,' which is suspected of espionage, on smartphones and tablets

On August 21, 2025, local time, the Russian government announced that it would require the installation of the Russian state-run messaging app MAX on all smartphones and tablets starting in September 2025. MAX is a rival to the messaging app

https://www.reuters.com/technology/russia-orders-state-backed-max-messenger-app-whatsapp-rival-pre-installed-phones-2025-08-21/

iPhones in Russia to preinstall state-backed messaging app - 9to5Mac
https://9to5mac.com/2025/08/21/new-iphones-and-ipads-in-russia-must-ship-with-state-backed-messaging-app-preinstalled/

The Russian government has announced new rules that require all smartphones and tablets to ship with the state-run messaging app MAX pre-installed, meaning that electronics manufacturers will be required to include MAX as a pre-installed app from September 1st.

MAX is soon to be integrated into Russian government services, but 9to5Mac points out that MAX has faced accusations that it tracks users on behalf of the Russian government, a rumor that Russian state media has repeatedly denied.

According to reports, the mandatory pre-installation of MAX will also include smart TVs, and starting January 1, 2026, the pre-installation of LIME HD TV, a free streaming app for national TV channels, will also be mandatory.

In addition, the Russian app store app 'RuStore,' which has previously been pre-installed on Android devices, will likely become mandatory for iPhones and iPads in the future.

Russia has a long-running dispute with messaging apps, and earlier this month restricted calls on WhatsApp and Telegram, citing what the Russian government said were the apps' refusal to cooperate with investigations into 'fraud and terrorism cases.'

Russia partially restricts WhatsApp and Telegram calls, accusing them of being used for blackmail and terrorist activities - GIGAZINE

Market research firm Mediascope has released data showing that WhatsApp users in Russia will reach 97.3 million by early 2025, followed by Telegram (90.8 million). The third most popular messaging app is VK Messenger, owned by a Russian state-owned company, with 17.9 million users.

The Russian government announced that the number of MAX users had reached 18 million in the fourth week of August 2025.