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App Store Security: Apple Stops $2B in Fraud in 2024 Alone, $9B Over 5 Years
The world of mobile apps has evolved significantly since its inception in 2008. What started as a platform for developers to showcase their creative work has grown into a trusted and secure haven for users worldwide. However, with the rise of malicious actors, the importance of robust security measures cannot be overstated.
In an effort to protect its users and developer community, Apple has been working tirelessly to combat fraudulent activities on the App Store. The results are staggering, with the company blocking over $9 billion in fraudulent transactions in the past five years alone. This figure includes a whopping $2 billion in 2024, demonstrating Apple's unwavering commitment to safeguarding its users.
To put this into perspective, consider the scale of these efforts. In 2024, Apple removed over 146,000 developer accounts and blocked 139,000 enrollments for fraudulent activities. It also rejected 711 million fake customer accounts and deactivated nearly 129 million customer accounts to prevent spam, scams, and manipulation.
The App Store's security protocols are multifaceted, involving both human review and automated processes to detect and take action on apps that may pose a threat to users. The company's App Review team reviews nearly 150,000 app submissions each week, helping bring new apps and updates to the App Store. Last year, this team helped more than 220,000 developers publish their first app.
In 2024, Apple's experts reviewed over 7.7 million App Store submissions and rejected more than 1.9 million for violating standards on security, privacy, and user experience. The team blocked over 37,000 apps tied to fraud and took down 43,000 with hidden or undocumented features. Moreover, it rejected over 320,000 scam or spam apps and removed 17,000 bait-and-switch apps.
Privacy was a top focus for Apple in 2024, with 400,000 apps rejected for violating user data policies. The company also cracked down on manipulation by removing over 143 million fake ratings and reviews from the 1.2 billion it processed. It took down 7,400 apps from charts and nearly 9,500 from search results for deceptive tactics like using bots or paid boosts.
On the payments side, Apple blocked over $2 billion in fraud, banned 1.6 million accounts, and flagged 4.7 million stolen cards. Tools like Apple Pay and StoreKit kept 420,000+ apps and their users secure.
Apple's commitment to providing its users with the safest and most secure experience on the App Store continues unabated. The company empowers users with resources to get help and report suspected fraud, ensuring that its platform remains a trusted destination for developers and users alike.
To learn more about staying safe on the App Store, visit support.apple.com/en-us/122712.
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