We presented a list of eight things Apple could do to show it places the App Store users above profits one month ago. Today, I discovered that Apple has implemented at least one of these ideas. You can now report a fraudulent app directly from the App Store listing using a new and improved version of the Report a Problem button.
Richard Mazkewich, and Kosta Eleftheriou, a scam hunter, point out that the button is not only back to app listings, but also includes a dedicated Report fraud or scam option in the drop-down menu.
In a major reversal, Apple quietly added back the Report a Problem @AppStore button in iOS 15: pic.twitter.com/UopiPDEV7e Kosta Eleftheriou (@keleftheriou) October 3, 2021
This button was not available until iOS 15. Scrolling down to the bottom in the Apps or Games tabs in the App Store would take you to a website where your account information would need to be re-signed in. You can then choose from Report suspicious behavior, Report a quality problem, Request a reimbursement or Find my content.
Apple will only allow you to report a quality problem if you have already paid money for it (and thus fell for the scam).
Now, every app that offers in-app purchases has the Report a Problem option. The button was visible on a few apps that I have not paid for, but could have. Although you will still be redirected to a website to sign in, this is a significant step forward.
Are Apple really hiring fraud investigators?
The big question is, of course, whether Apple will take any action to address those reports. We also pointed out that Apple has only 500 human app reviewers, while Google has 15,000 and Google has 20,000, respectively. Twitter, however, boasts 2,200. This is a company that is far from being the most profitable and valuable in the world.
Surprisingly, there is some movement in that area too. Eleftheriou pointed to me that Apple started hiring for ASI Investigator positions on September 8th. Part of the job posting stated that ASI Investigators are responsible for investigating fraudulent trends and apps, as well the developers involved.
It is a shame that the job posting has been removed.
Apple's automated systems could use the new data to alert users when scam apps exceed a threshold.
Apple seems to be paying attention to the anger surrounding the App Store. Apple has made a few concessions to the App Store users in response to regulatory and judicial scrutiny. Apple also recently allowed users to review its own apps, which it bundles with every iPhone. Apple Podcasts, Weather and the built-in Calculator app all have the right to be rated with angry 1-star reviews. Although Apple may not have the greatest advantage in the App Store, it is nice to see them attempting to level the playing field.
These are some other suggestions that we had for Apple's App Store. We also have a short history of major policy changes Apples has made over time. Yes, we were keeping track.
