Apple App Store Thwarts $2 Billion in Fraudulent Transactions
Just before WWDC 2025, Apple announced its App Store prevented over $2 billion in fraudulent transactions during 2024. This brings the total to $9 billion over the past five years. The company also blocked nearly 2 million risky app submissions.
Security Measures Highlighted Amidst Antitrust Concerns
This announcement underscores the App Store's security features, particularly relevant after recent antitrust lawsuits. Apple now allows US developers to link to alternative payment methods, giving developers more choices for processing in-app purchases.
While some larger apps have adopted alternative payments, smaller developers may hesitate due to the risks of fraud, chargebacks, and refunds. Apple manages these issues for its 15-30% commission.
Apple emphasized its global reach, serving 175 regions and over 813 million weekly visitors. The company highlighted its efforts beyond transaction fraud, including:
- Terminating over 146,000 developer accounts for fraud
- Rejecting 139,000 fraudulent developer enrollments
- Blocking over 711 million fraudulent customer account creations
- Deactivating nearly 129 million fraudulent customer accounts
- Blocking over 10,000 illegitimate apps on pirate storefronts
Apple also stopped nearly 4.6 million attempts to install apps outside approved marketplaces.
App Store Value Proposition for Developers
Apple maintains its commission covers more than payment processing. It includes security, hosting, distribution, discovery, and fraud prevention. This is a strong argument for smaller developers, especially those in Apple's Small Business Program with a reduced 15% commission.
Early data suggests small businesses may not see financial gains from using their own payment systems.
Apple's announcement reinforces the App Store's value proposition for developers in a market with increasing competition.
