Apple Removes Deceptive Streaming App Disguised as Vision Tool from App Store. Apple Removes Deceptive Streaming App Disguised as Vision Tool from App Store. Apple has recently taken action to remove an app named Kimi from the App Store after it was discovered to be masquerading as a vision testing utility while its true functionality lay in providing access to pirated TV shows and movies. The app, which was deceptively presented to developers as a tool for eye health, actually served as a portal for illegal streaming content, alongside promoting its own “bootleg” app services.
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In its App Store description, Kimi was misleadingly marketed as an application for “vision testing,” cleverly disguising its illicit streaming interface. This interface allowed users unfettered access to a wide array of pirated entertainment options, none of which were hinted at in the submission documents provided to Apple for review. The developers had claimed the app could compare two images—a feature purportedly designed for vision exams, landscape observation, and gaming—yet none of these functionalities were actually available.
The American tech news outlet The Verge uncovered that Kimi boasted a fully functional, user-friendly interface similar to legitimate streaming apps, complete with features like movie tracking, recommendations, and more. However, it conspicuously avoided any mention of enabling developers to generate income through in-app advertising, an aspect that would typically require disclosure.
Launched on the App Store in September 2023, Kimi was available for five months before being removed from both iOS and macOS platforms. Its removal marks a significant oversight on Apple’s part, as the app managed to evade detection and climb the ranks within its category without triggering any alarms.
This incident represents the second notable lapse in the App Store’s review process in recent times. Another recent case involved an app that closely mimicked the appearance and name of the popular password manager LastPass, which was also swiftly removed following the realization that it was designed to phish for users’ credentials.
These episodes underscore the ongoing challenges faced by digital storefronts in policing the vast array of submissions they receive, highlighting the importance of vigilant review processes to safeguard users from deceptive and harmful applications.
