What Happened With the Max Messenger App
On June 4, 2025, the team behind the Max messaging app announced its removal from the App Store, meaning Apple device users will no longer receive push notifications. Despite this, messages will still be delivered and all core features will remain functional. Users are advised not to delete the app and to open it manually from time to time to continue using it.
In late April 2025, Cloudflare flagged Max’s domains as spyware. This label was briefly removed but later reinstated. The beta version of Max launched in March 2025, positioning itself as a Russian alternative to popular messengers like Telegram and WhatsApp. However, the app failed to gain significant traction, likely due to the absence of end-to-end encryption, secret chats, self-destructing messages, and two-factor authentication.
User Data Privacy Concerns
According to Max’s privacy policy, the company reserves the right to share user data with third parties when legally required. In response to government requests, the messenger may disclose information including:
- IP address
- Operating system and browser details
- Location data
- Internet service provider
- Contacts from the address book
- Camera and microphone access
The Telegram channel Scamshot claims that Max collects even more data than its privacy policy states. According to their findings, the app tracks notifications, checks which other apps are installed, records precise location, runs continuously in the background, and sends data to servers owned by VK.
All of this raises serious red flags about user privacy—especially now that the app has been removed from the App Store and labeled as spyware.
The removal of Max from the App Store, combined with its spyware designation, underscores the trust issues surrounding this new messenger. As concerns over data privacy grow, users may reconsider their choice of platform, particularly one that lacks robust security features. These developments could also hinder the product’s future growth and market acceptance, which has already been limited compared to its competitors.
The recent removal of Max Messenger highlights growing concerns over user privacy in messaging apps. As users seek safer alternatives, it's worth exploring the risks associated with widely used platforms like popular messaging services such as WhatsApp and Telegram, which also face scrutiny regarding data security and user trust.