![\"\"](\"https:\/\/sitesdev.net\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/Apple.jpg\")
It\u2019s been long-held conventional wisdom that the safest place you can purchase apps is either the Google Play Store if you have an Android device, or the Apple Store if you\u2019ve got a device built around iOS.<\/p>\nIt\u2019s been long-held conventional wisdom that the safest place you can purchase apps is either the Google Play Store if you have an Android device, or the Apple Store if you\u2019ve got a device built around iOS.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s still true for the most part, but in recent months, Apple has been running into a problem that Google has a lot of familiarity with.<\/p>\n
Not long ago, Apple introduced a new system called \u201cApp Store Search Ads\u201d which allows developers to display ads in order to increase the visibility of their products.
\nIf you\u2019ve ever used Google\u2019s search engine, then you\u2019ve probably seen something similar in action, because you\u2019ll note that the first couple of entries displayed on any search results page are ads.<\/p>\n
Developers can use simple SEO tricks to get a higher ranking based on the keywords a user enters into the search box.<\/p>\n
The problem is that Apple doesn\u2019t have the same level of experience that Google does when it comes to dealing with developers who try to game the system.<\/p>\n
Google itself suffered from similar problems with their search engine results prior to their famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view) \u201cPanda\u201d update, which went a long way toward curbing the worst abuses in the system.
\nUnfortunately, Apple isn\u2019t quite there yet. Their new service just isn\u2019t as robust, and unsavory developers are taking advantage. In fact, a researcher named Johnny Lin analyzed the Apple Store\u2019s trending apps and discovered that most of the trending and most visible apps are fake or useless. They contain options for in-app purchases for largely useless services which are costing users billions.<\/p>\n
In one example, Lin discovered that the app \u201cMobile Protection: Clean & Security VPN\u201d tricks users into signing up for an antivirus protection plan that costs a hefty $99.99 a week. Based on sales data, that app is generating more than $80,000 a month for its developer, and represents just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, because in many cases, the entire first page of search results is occupied by similar apps.<\/p>\n
No doubt, Apple will move quickly to address the issue and set controls that minimize a developer\u2019s ability to game the system. But for now, be sure to use some extra diligence before installing any new app from the Apple Store, and read the fine print before signing up for any in-app purchases.<\/p>\n
If you already have, here\u2019s how you can cancel any unwanted subscriptions:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Open your \u201cSettings\u201d app and go to the iTunes App Store.
\n\u2022 View your Apple ID
\n\u2022 Enter your password, or press against \u201cTouch ID\u201d when the app prompts you to do so
\n\u2022 Tap \u201cSubscriptions\u201d to see your current list of subscriptions, then tap the ones you want to cancel
\n\u2022 Tap confirm<\/p>\n
Once your current subscription period ends, you\u2019re off the hook.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
It\u2019s been long-held conventional wisdom that the safest place you can purchase apps is either the Google Play Store if you have an Android device, or the Apple Store if you\u2019ve got a device built around iOS. That\u2019s still true for the most part, but in recent months, Apple has been running into a problem […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":25391,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[34,30],"yoast_head":"\n