“Can I Really Trust Apps on My iPhone?”
That was the question Donna, 58, asked me during one of our tech workshops. She had just read a news article about online scams and wasn’t sure who or what to trust anymore.
If you’ve ever felt that way—especially about the apps you install—you’re not alone. But this month, Apple shared something that might offer real peace of mind:
In 2024 alone, the App Store prevented more than $9 billion in potentially fraudulent transactions. That’s not a typo. Nine. Billion. Dollars.
Let’s see what that means in everyday terms—and how it helps people like you stay safer without having to learn a bunch of new tricks.
What Did Apple Do, Exactly?
In a new article from Apple’s Newsroom, the company explained that their App Store system—meaning the tools, people, and technology behind the scenes—stopped:
- More than $1.8 million in app-related fraud every day
- Over 14 million stolen credit cards from being used
- Nearly 374 million fake or malicious developer accounts
And they didn’t just react to problems after they happened. They blocked them before they could reach users.
In simple terms: Apple’s App Store is like a big, secure supermarket where someone checks every single product before it hits the shelf—and kicks out anyone trying to sneak in counterfeit goods.
How Does This Help You as a Regular User?
If you’re someone who:
- Downloads apps occasionally (even just the weather or Sudoku)
- Uses your credit card or Apple ID for purchases
- Shares an iPhone with your spouse or grandkids
… then this matters to you.
Here’s how:
1. You’re Less Likely to Download a Dangerous App
Apple reviews every app before it’s allowed in the App Store. They look for:
- Hidden fees or “bait and switch” tactics
- Apps pretending to be something they’re not
- Malware (bad software that can steal your info)
So when you download a flashlight app or a new game, you’re not guessing whether it’s safe. Apple’s already done the homework.
2. Your Payment Info Is Protected
Have you ever typed your credit card number into a website and felt nervous? Apple helps prevent stolen or fake credit cards from being used through the App Store.
That’s one of the reasons why it’s often safer to pay through your Apple ID rather than typing your card number into random apps.
3. Your Grandkids (or You!) Won’t Be Tricked by Scams as Easily
Some scam apps are sneaky—they pretend to be free, then charge you weekly. Others push fake “update” buttons that aren’t really updates at all.
Apple’s systems are trained to detect these red flags before you ever see them. And in 2024, they removed over 150,000apps from the App Store for misleading behavior.
A Real-Life Example: Donna’s Surprise Charge
Back to Donna. Last year, she downloaded what she thought was a free brain-training app. A week later, she noticed a $19.99 charge.
She didn’t remember agreeing to anything.
Turns out, the app had a tiny button that said “Start Free Trial,” which auto-renewed into a subscription. Legal? Technically, yes. Clear? Not really.
That app has since been removed from the App Store thanks to Apple’s tighter reviews—but Donna’s story is exactly why these fraud protections matter.
So, What Can You Do to Stay Safe?
Even with Apple doing the heavy lifting, it helps to follow a few simple rules:
✅ Stick to the App Store
Never download apps from links or pop-ups outside the App Store. If an app isn’t in the Mac or iOS App store, that could be a big red flag.
✅ Review Subscription Settings
Go to Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions to review or cancel anything you don’t recognize.
✅ Use Face ID or Touch ID for Purchases
This adds an extra layer of protection—especially if you share your phone.
✅ Report Suspicious Apps
If something seems off, go to the app’s page in the App Store and scroll down to “Report a Problem.”
A Final Thought: Peace of Mind Matters
You shouldn’t need a computer science degree to feel safe using your iPhone. That’s why Apple’s fraud prevention is a big deal—especially for those of us who didn’t grow up with smartphones and apps.
If you’ve ever hesitated to install something or worried about getting scammed, remember this:
You’re not alone, and you’re not behind.
There are smart tools—and smart people—looking out for you every day.
Want More Tips Like This?
If this helped clear up a few things, you’ll find even more friendly guidance in our book:
“Learning iPhone for Absolute Beginners – 2025 Edition”
From safety tips to organizing your apps, it’s the kind of book that walks beside you, not ahead of you.
Take it one tap at a time. You’ve got this.
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