Messaging, Built-in AI Assistant, and Business Services: Russia Launches Its Digital Super App
In 2025, Russia’s digital landscape experienced a tectonic shift. VK platform has introduced MAX, a multifunctional messenger that combines communication, payments, AI assistance, and access to government services — aiming to become Russia’s all-in-one digital platform.
Russia’s Answer to WeChat
MAX, developed by VK, was rolled out to users in spring 2025. Designed as a 'national messenger' supported by the state, the platform is positioned to become a cornerstone of Russia’s digital infrastructure. It could reshape how people communicate and interact with government services.
Out of the box, MAX offers personal and group chats, audio and video calls, chatbots, mini apps, and built-in payments. The roadmap goes further: soon users may access government services, sign documents online, and confirm their identity directly in the app.
Uniquely, MAX is registered as standalone software in the Russian IT registry and backed by the Ministry of Digital Development. Beyond messaging, it embeds business tools, making it versatile enough to replace multiple apps in everyday life.
One App to Do It All
Key features include fast messaging, voice and text communication, photo and video sharing, and file transfers up to 4GB. Chats sync automatically across devices, eliminating reconnection hassles. Both group and personal chats can be organized into folders.
For businesses, MAX doubles as a development platform. It supports chatbot creation, mini apps, and no-code tools, while advanced users can integrate APIs for complex workflows. This makes it easier to launch customer support services, online stores, or even a café menu. Financial operations are supported through Russia’s Faster Payments System, allowing users to send and receive transfers directly in chat.
AI for Everyday Tasks
Future updates include Wallet, QR-code payments, and access to banking products. The app already integrates with digital services from VTB and Alfa-Bank. It also features GigaChat, an AI assistant developed by Sber, capable of generating text, solving logic problems, and creating images from prompts — all within MAX’s interface.
The platform is built with government integration in mind. It is expected to support digital IDs, electronic signatures, and entitlement verification. Starting September 1, MAX is mandated for pre-installation on all new devices in Russia.
Expanding Into Education and Governance
This fall, MAX will connect with GosKey, Gosuslugi, and ESIA, Russia’s state service portals. Educational integration is also planned through VK’s Sferum platform, already used by most Russian students and parents.
MAX is compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and browsers, with Linux support (Ubuntu and Red Hat) on the roadmap. Privacy and security are emphasized: calls and chat invites are limited to contacts, with extra filters available. Users cannot be searched by phone number. Verified chatbots carry special badges and are created only by authorized organizations.
For citizens, MAX offers a secure way to communicate and access public services; for the state, it reinforces digital sovereignty as part of national digital policy.
