Scams, knockoffs, ripoffs, and fake reviews show how badly Apple needs to clean things up.
By Jason Cross
Staff Writer, Macworld JAN 13, 2022 3:30 AM PST
Apple’s App Store promotional page proudly proclaims, in big bold letters:
For over a decade, the App Store has proved to be a safe and trusted place to discover and download apps. But the App Store is more than just a storefront — it’s an innovative destination focused on bringing you amazing experiences. And a big part of those experiences is ensuring that the apps we offer are held to the highest standards for privacy, security, and content. Because we offer nearly two million apps — and we want you to feel good about using every single one of them.
I think for millions of users, that statement is kind of a joke. The App Store is absolutely rife with scam apps, knockoffs, deceptive and exploitive subscription fees, and fake reviews that prop it all up. You need look no further than this week’s Wordle kerfuffle for an example.
The problems are obvious to anyone familiar with the App Store and broader app ecosystem, but perhaps less obvious to the casual user. And that’s worse—that’s why iPhone users are getting hoodwinked into downloading apps that aren’t what they think they are and paying monthly subscription fees for trash that often doesn’t work.
It doesn’t have to be this way, and it’s way past time for Apple to clean house.