Multiple pirate streaming apps have once again bypassed Apple’s strict App Store review process. These apps, disguised as innocent card-collecting games, offer a vast catalog of pirated content from platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
Folks at 9to5Mac first reported on this issue, talking about how one such app employed a geofencing tactic to hide its true nature from Apple’s reviewers. The app would only reveal its piracy function to users outside the US but present a harmless interface to those within the country.
“We don’t know for sure in which regions other than Brazil pirated streaming content can be accessed, but the app itself is available in many countries around the world.”
Despite Apple removing the original app following the report, the developers have refined their strategy, releasing multiple versions under different names. Talk about dedication.
This isn’t the first time the App Store has been deceived. In 2022, Independent research found several fraudulent Chinese apps available on the Mac App Store. Said apps seem to have bypassed Apple’s review team and managed to get into the Mac App Store as legitimate apps.
Apple is known for its, strict App Store review process, with no third-party app stores available; the continued presence of these pirate apps raises serious questions about the effectiveness of Apple’s app review process.
With users at risk of encountering malware and content creators losing revenue due to piracy, the tech giant has to take strict actions to address this issue. As of now, Apple has yet to comment on the matter.