QIHOO 360 Technology Co's mobile security applications for iPhone and iPad users will be back on Apple Inc's online store within 48 to 72 hours, after the US giant removed them from the store on Monday, the New York-listed firm said in a statement yesterday.

Beijing-based Qihoo 360, China's biggest online security firm, blamed the removal to unusual activity in user ratings. It suspected Kingsoft Corp of being involved in the activity and said it was ready to sue Kingsoft. Beijing-based Kingsoft was not available to comment yesterday.

Qihoo 360 claimed that Tencent Inc (QQ) was suspected to have broadcast the news that the apps were taken down by Apple. Qihoo had asked Tencent to delete the news but the latter still hadn't done so. In a statement yesterday Tencent, China's No. 1 Internet firm, said that 360 was interfering in regular media reporting.

Apple China declined to comment on the issue yesterday. But an Apple source, who declined to be identified, said the company was examining the case and would restore the apps.