In a powerful display of digital security, Apple has announced it blocked over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions on the App Store in 2024, pushing its five-year total beyond $9 billion. The disclosure comes ahead of the highly anticipated Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC 2025), signalling Apple’s continued push to defend its walled-garden app ecosystem amid growing regulatory scrutiny and antitrust debates.
Why It Matters: Apple’s Defense of App Store Control
Facing global pressure from regulators and critics who accuse it of monopolising app distribution, Apple is underscoring the security benefits of its strict App Store policies. According to the company, these protective measures go far beyond revenue generation; they are about defending both users and developers from increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts.
Key Fraud Prevention Highlights from 2024
- $2+ Billion in fraudulent App Store transactions blocked
- 1.9 million app submissions rejected, including:
- 1400,000 for privacy violation
- 2320,000 for spam, deception, or impersonation
- 2,343,000 for hidden functionality or malware risks
- Nearly 2 million high-risk apps stopped before reaching the App Store
- 129 million customer accounts deactivated
- 711 million new account attempts blocked
- 146,000 fraudulent developer accounts terminated
- 139,000 developer accounts banned from ever registering
Sideloading and Pirated App Threats
Apple also reported halting:
- 4.6 million side-loading attempts from unauthorized sources
- Over 10,000 pirated apps are already circulating online
- Apps laced with malware, ad fraud tools, and data-siphoning mechanisms
The tech giant emphasised that pirated or modified apps may pose major risks by embedding malicious code or spyware. This concern is especially timely as alternative app stores begin emerging under the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
“Pirated apps may appear harmless but can include dangerous modifications, malware, or tools to syphon data or money,” Apple warned in a statement.
Fake Reviews, Credit Card Fraud, and Consumer Trust
Fraud prevention extended beyond app submissions:
- 143 million fake reviews and ratings removed
- 4.7 million stolen credit cards flagged
- 1.6 million accounts blocked from making future purchases
These efforts aim to level the playing field for legitimate developers and maintain trust in Apple’s ecosystem.
Apple’s Justification for App Store Fees
Apple also took the opportunity to reassert the value behind it’s 15-30% commission model, explaining that these fees support:
- Global hosting and distribution
- Fraud prevention and customer support
- Subscription infrastructure
- App refund processing
“Without strong safeguards, developers risk seeing their own apps copied, resold, or modified on pirate platforms,” the company stated.
The Bottom Line
As global regulators pressure Apple to loosen its grip on app distribution, the company is positioning its App Store model as essential for safety and fraud protection. With $2 billion in fraud blocked in a single year, Apple is making the case that its ecosystem is not just about profit; it is about protecting developers, consumers, and the integrity of the mobile software marketplace.
