Apple Blocks $9B Fraud as App Store Faces Scrutiny

Apple reported that its App Store has prevented over $9 billion in fraudulent transactions over the past five years, including more than $2 billion in 2024. In 2024, the company blocked nearly 2 million risky app submissions, terminated over 146,000 developer accounts for fraud, and rejected 139,000 developer enrollment attempts. Apple also identified nearly 4.7 million stolen credit cards and banned 1.6 million accounts from transacting, as well as prevented over 711 million malicious customer account creations. The company stopped over 10,000 illegitimate apps from pirate storefronts and removed more than 143 million fraudulent ratings and reviews. These actions come as Apple faces regulatory scrutiny and new competition after legal changes that allow alternative payment methods. Apple maintains that its security measures and review processes are essential to protecting users and developers amid ongoing debates about app marketplace regulation.