Since launching the App Store in 2008, Apple has continuously invested in advanced technologies to ensure a secure and reliable platform for both users and developers. Today, the App Store is recognized as a leader in app distribution, known for its strong security, trustworthy environment, and high-quality user experience.
As digital threats have become more sophisticated, Apple has expanded its anti-fraud measures to keep pace. Dedicated teams monitor the platform daily, using advanced tools to detect and prevent fraud, helping to protect the integrity of the App Store. Between 2020 and 2023, Apple blocked over $7 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions, including more than $1.8 billion in 2023 alone. During this time, over 14 million stolen credit cards were identified and blocked, and 3.3 million suspicious accounts were prevented from making further transactions.
According to Apple’s fourth annual fraud prevention report, over 1.7 million app submissions were rejected in 2023 for not meeting the App Store’s strict standards related to privacy, security, and content. These efforts also led to the removal of nearly 152 million ratings and reviews suspected of fraud, and the termination of around 374 million developer and customer accounts.
Account Fraud Prevention
Apple has built strong systems to detect and eliminate fraudulent accounts before they can cause harm. In 2023, nearly 118,000 developer accounts were shut down for fraud, which was a decrease from the 428,000 terminations the year before, thanks to better tools for preventing such accounts from being created. Additionally, over 91,000 attempts to enroll in the developer program were rejected due to fraud concerns.
Fraud can also originate from customer accounts, especially those created by bots to spam or manipulate app rankings, search results, or reviews. In 2023, Apple blocked the creation of more than 153 million fake customer accounts and deactivated nearly 374 million accounts involved in abuse or fraud.
Apple also combats threats beyond the App Store. Over the past year, it blocked more than 47,000 fake apps from appearing on unauthorized, pirated app platforms, protecting users from malicious software and developers from unauthorized app modifications.
Furthermore, in just the past month, Apple stopped nearly 3.8 million attempts to install or run apps illegally distributed through the Developer Enterprise Program, which is intended only for internal app deployment by large organizations.
Apple’s ongoing efforts demonstrate its strong commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable ecosystem for users and developers alike.
