Home Pirate streaming apps are pulled from the App Store after they briefly returned

Pirate streaming apps are pulled from the App Store after they briefly returned

TL:DR

  • A pirate streaming app disguised as 'Collect Cards: Store box' bypassed Apple's review process.
  • The app, hosting Netflix and Disney+ content, reached #2 on Brazil's most downloaded free apps list.
  • After removal, similar apps reappeared but have been taken down again.

Apple’s strict guidelines mean that developers have to jump through hoops to get their apps into the hands of users. While the review process is usually quite vigilant, a pirate streaming app managed to sneak through but has since been removed.

This follows the report by 9 to 5 Mac who, at the beginning of July, highlighted how a strange app called ‘Collect Cards: Store box’ had been available on the Store for over a year.

It didn’t have much of a description and the images showed screenshots with a simple interface for an app that appeared to look like a photo and video management tool.

In reality, the app was actually a cover for a pirate streaming platform that hosted content from the likes of Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Apple TV.

After having tricked Apple and even making its way to being #2 on the most downloaded free apps in Brazil list, the iPhone maker soon noticed its mistake and removed it from the platform.

Pirate streaming apps made it onto the App Store

While this would usually be the end of it. The creators of the illegal streaming service managed to trick Apple once more.

This time, they created multiple apps under the moniker ‘Collect Cards.’ The apps all had the same features and descriptions.

These apps were popular and had great ratings, as people were able to access content that is traditionally behind a paywall. They were also available in countries worldwide.

It was revealed in documents from 2021 that the App Store Review team has more than 500 human experts reviewing more than 100,000 apps every week.

While these team members handle the manual processes, an automated review process is carried out for many apps to check if they violate the guidelines before then going through the usual manual process.

The pirate streaming apps are believed to have now been removed once more from the App Store. Apple is yet to comment on the situation.

Image Credit: Via Ideogram

About ReadWrite’s Editorial Process

The ReadWrite Editorial policy involves closely monitoring the tech, gambling and blockchain industries for major developments, new product and brand launches, AI breakthroughs, game releases and other newsworthy events. Editors assign relevant stories to in-house staff writers with expertise in each particular topic area. Before publication, articles go through a rigorous round of editing for accuracy, clarity, and to ensure adherence to ReadWrite's style guidelines.

Sophie Atkinson
Tech Journalist

Sophie Atkinson is a UK-based journalist and content writer, as well as a founder of a content agency which focuses on storytelling through social media marketing. She kicked off her career with a Print Futures Award which champions young talent working in print, paper and publishing. Heading straight into a regional newsroom, after graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Journalism, Sophie started by working for Reach PLC. Now, with five years experience in journalism and many more in content marketing, Sophie works as a freelance writer and marketer. Her areas of specialty span a wide range, including technology, business,…

Get the biggest tech headlines of the day delivered to your inbox

    By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. Unsubscribe anytime.

    Tech News

    Explore the latest in tech with our Tech News. We cut through the noise for concise, relevant updates, keeping you informed about the rapidly evolving tech landscape with curated content that separates signal from noise.

    In-Depth Tech Stories

    Explore tech impact in In-Depth Stories. Narrative data journalism offers comprehensive analyses, revealing stories behind data. Understand industry trends for a deeper perspective on tech's intricate relationships with society.

    Expert Reviews

    Empower decisions with Expert Reviews, merging industry expertise and insightful analysis. Delve into tech intricacies, get the best deals, and stay ahead with our trustworthy guide to navigating the ever-changing tech market.