Apple fought off $2bn in app store fraud in 2024

Behind your favourite applications, behind the continuous scroll of icons and downloads, Apple is silently fighting a struggle that most consumers will never witness.

In 2024, the business claimed that it has stopped over $2 billion in fraudulent App Store transactions. A move which is more than just a victory for Apple; it is a stark reminder of the persistent hazards lurking in the digital world and how far the tech titan is ready to go to safeguard its customers.

Since the advent of the App Store in 2008, Apple has positioned itself not only as a platform supplier, but also as a gatekeeper of trust.

With over 813 million users using the App Store weekly from 175 countries, the stakes have never been greater. Last year’s report reveals what’s actually going on behind the scenes, Apple closed over 146,000 developer accounts linked to fraud and rejected 139,000 new developer enrolments before they ever began.

Nearly 129 million user accounts were terminated due to questionable behaviour, with many participating in spamming, rating manipulation, or dishonest attempts to climb the charts. Apple also rejected over 711 million account creations, preventing unscrupulous actors from causing significant damage.

The company’s fraud detection approach is divided into two parts: digital watchdog and technical detective. Over 10,000 bogus programs were removed from pirate shopfronts, including those riddled with spyware, fraudulent gambling sites, and altered copies of legitimate apps.

Apple also detected roughly 4.6 million attempts to install or start unauthorised apps outside of sanctioned markets. Each one was possible security concern, and it was blocked before it could reach someone’s screen.

Fraud does not simply take the form of a bogus app. It can often be hidden behind gushing five-start reviews and polished evaluations. In 2024, Apple processed over 1.2 billion ratings and reviews, but eliminated over 143 million that were discovered to be fraudulent or misleading. It also eliminated almost 7,400 applications from the App Store charts and roughly 9,500 from search results for employing deceptive strategies to gain the rankings.

Beyond the figures, Apple’s effort creates a clear image of a safer, more equitable environment in which actual creators may thrive. Over 320,000 app applications were rejected for supplicating, spamming, or deceiving users. Over 43,000 were detected for containing undocumented features, tiny traps camouflaged as seemingly innocent code.

Over 17,000 applications were also removed for bait-and-switch behaviour, which occurs when programs change their whole purpose after being downloaded in order to fool consumers.

It’s easy to take security for granted when everything runs well. However, every brand program, stopped transaction, and rejected fraud is part of Apple’s greater commitment to keeping the program. Store not only operational, but thriving as a trusted platform for innovation, creativity, and connection. While most users may never see this side of the platform, Apple’s report serves as a quiet reminder that online trust is earned, preserved, and continually guarded.