Hornet Launches Hornet Stories Following Apple’s Removal of the Hornet App in Russia
Los Angeles, California, January 7, 2026 — Hornet has launched Hornet Stories, an official Hornet application created to ensure continued access to the Hornet experience for users in Russia. The app is now available for iOS, and functionality between the two apps is aligned to ensure smooth continuity.
Hornet was removed from the App Store in Russia on December 27, 2025 following a takedown order issued by Roskomnadzor, the Russian federal communications and media regulator. This removal affects new downloads and updates, and it comes at a time when many LGBTQ+ resources in the region have already disappeared. Hornet has officially submitted an appeal that has not yet been answered by Roskomnadzor or Apple.
“This represents an attack on LGBTQ+ rights, including free speech”, says Hornet Founder and CEO Christof Wittig. “Hornet is not simply a dating app, but one of the largest and last remaining queer social platforms available to people in countries where LGBTQ+ visibility and support networks are limited.”
Hornet Stories has been custom-built for Russia to enable a new App Store listing while the original Hornet app remains blocked. The approach follows a proven precedent: Hornet was previously removed from Turkey’s Apple App Store in August 2021 and reinstated in February 2022 after close cooperation between Apple and Hornet as Hornet Stories, while a case with the Turkish Supreme Court moved forward. In 2024, Hornet won the court case against the Turkish government and subsequently the original Hornet App was made available again in the App Store.
While the process of reinstating Hornet in Russia is ongoing, users who already have Hornet installed are advised not to delete the app, as reinstallation may not be possible.
Hornet will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates through its in-app communication channels as more information becomes available.
Hornet Stories can be downloaded here for those with App Store set to Russia. Users can also find more information on Hornet’s dedicated FAQ here.
