Apple reported it blocked more than $2.2 billion in potentially fraudulent App Store transactions in 2025, providing a rare glimpse into the massive scale of fraud attempts targeting its mobile marketplace.
The company also rejected more than 2 million app submissions and terminated 193,000 developer accounts as part of its security efforts. The figures highlight how Apple’s walled garden approach to app distribution faces constant pressure from bad actors seeking to exploit its ecosystem.
The numbers underscore why Apple continues to defend its App Store model against regulatory pressure worldwide. Competition authorities in Europe, the US, and other regions have pushed for alternative app stores on iOS devices, but Apple consistently argues that its controlled approach protects users from security threats.
Apple’s fraud prevention efforts extended beyond financial transactions. The company rejected 1.1 billion customer account creations it deemed fraudulent and deactivated another 40 million accounts for fraud and abuse. On the developer side, it blocked 138,000 enrollment attempts from suspicious actors trying to gain access to its development program.
The company also blocked 28,000 apps from what it called “pirate storefronts.” These included fake versions of legitimate applications and apps containing malware, pornography, and gambling content that violated App Store guidelines.
Fraud tactics have grown more sophisticated, according to Apple. Bad actors now deploy bot networks to create fake accounts, spam users, and generate bogus reviews that artificially inflate app ratings. This arms race between fraudsters and platform security has intensified as the mobile app market has grown.
Apple said it uses “a combination of expert human review and advanced machine learning technologies to detect and stop malicious activity.” The company noted that “as the digital landscape expands, malicious actors continue to evolve their methods, often using deceptive tactics to target consumers and legitimate businesses.”
These security statistics play a central role in Apple’s regulatory defense strategy. The company regularly cites App Store protections when fighting competition regulators who want to force iOS to support third-party app stores. Apple argues that opening its platform would compromise the security measures that currently block billions in fraudulent activity.
The timing of these disclosures comes as Apple faces continued regulatory scrutiny. The European Union’s Digital Markets Act has already forced some changes to iOS app distribution in Europe, while similar legislation is being considered in other markets. Apple’s message is clear: loosening its control over app distribution could expose users to the very threats its current system blocks.