Apple App Store Blocks $2 Billion in Fraud in 2024 Alone

Apple recently announced significant milestones in its ongoing fight against fraud on the App Store, revealing that it prevented over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions in 2024 alone, contributing to a total of more than $9 billion blocked over the past five years. This impressive feat underscores Apple's commitment to protecting both app developers and consumers in a highly competitive and complex digital marketplace.

The App Store operates in 175 regions worldwide and attracts over 813 million visitors weekly, making it a massive platform vulnerable to various fraudulent activities. Apple’s security measures extend beyond just transaction fraud to include blocking nearly 2 million risky app submissions, terminating over 146,000 developer accounts for fraud, and rejecting 139,000 suspicious developer enrollments in 2024.

In addition, Apple rejected over 711 million customer account creations and deactivated nearly 129 million accounts to prevent abuse. It also blocked over 10,000 illegitimate apps on pirate storefronts, including malware, gambling, pornography apps, and pirated versions of legitimate software. These extensive efforts highlight the scale and sophistication of Apple’s fraud prevention ecosystem.

This announcement comes amid significant shifts in the mobile app payment landscape. Following a legal battle with Epic Games, Apple now allows U.S. developers to link to alternative payment methods, bypassing Apple’s commission. While major apps quickly adopted this, smaller developers face risks like fraud and chargebacks that Apple’s system traditionally manages in exchange for a 15%-30% commission.

Apple’s message is clear: the App Store’s value extends beyond payment processing to include robust security, fraud prevention, app hosting, and discovery services. This is especially critical for smaller developers who benefit from Apple’s protective infrastructure, which can be costly and complex to replicate independently.

Moreover, under the EU’s Digital Markets Act, users can access alternative app stores, but Apple warns these platforms often harbor pirated apps and increased fraud risks. Apple also reported stopping nearly 4.6 million attempts to install or launch apps outside the App Store or approved marketplaces, reinforcing its control over app security.

For developers weighing whether to process payments independently or stay within Apple’s ecosystem, early data suggests smaller businesses may not gain financially from switching due to the risks and costs involved. Apple’s comprehensive fraud prevention and app review processes provide a compelling case for continuing to leverage the App Store’s infrastructure.

In summary, Apple’s latest fraud prevention metrics ahead of WWDC 2025 serve as a powerful reminder of the security and operational benefits the App Store offers. As the app economy evolves with new payment options and regulatory changes, developers must carefully consider the trade-offs between independence and the protection provided by established platforms.