JAKARTA - Apple's app distribution platform, the App Store, is once again in the spotlight after an increase in cases of fraudulent apps that escaped the curation process and harmed users.
In recent weeks, a number of incidents have emerged, including the removal of the Freecash application due to alleged sale of user data, to a fake cryptocurrency application that is said to have harmed users up to around 9.5 million US dollars before it was finally withdrawn.
This phenomenon raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the curation system, which has been one of Apple's main arguments in maintaining tight control over the iPhone ecosystem.
App Surge, Surveillance Gap
Industry data shows the number of new applications submitted to the App Store in the first quarter of 2026 jumped significantly, reaching more than 235,000 applications - up about 84 percent from the previous year.
This surge has increased the burden on Apple's review team, which not only checks new apps but also updates to existing ones.
Apple has long insisted it has rejected millions of apps and removed tens of millions of spam reviews. However, a number of recent cases show that gaps remain, especially in detecting apps that masquerade or change functions after passing initial verification.
Old Modus, New Impact
Many fraudulent apps use the "bait and switch" technique, which appears as a legitimate application when submitted, then turns into a fraud tool after obtaining approval.
In addition, the use of names similar to official applications - for example, variations in spelling - is another gap that is considered to be automatically detected by the system.
Criticism also points to weak supervision of application updates, which often do not go through as strict an examination as new applications.
Global Regulatory Pressure
This issue comes amid increasing pressure from global regulators on Apple, particularly regarding its dominance and App Store commission policy.
Apple has long argued that tight control over the App Store is necessary to maintain user security. However, the increasing number of fraud cases is considered to weaken its position in the face of regulators.
If trust in the curation system decreases, the impulse to open access to third-party app stores could get stronger.
In some cases, Apple only takes action after media reports or public complaints emerge. This gives rise to the perception that the company's response is still reactive, not preventive.
On the other hand, Apple has not provided detailed explanations regarding concrete steps to address this surge in problematic apps.
Between Security and Scale
Structurally, Apple faces a classic dilemma: maintaining quality and security amid the ever-expanding scale of the ecosystem.
With billions of users and hundreds of thousands of new apps every year, ensuring all content is truly secure is an increasingly complex challenge.
But for users, one thing remains simple: they expect the App Store to be a safe place.
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