A Sneaky Pirate App Trends in Apple’s App Store: Kimi Claims to be a Vision Testing App but Offers Movies and Shows Instead
A surprising piracy app has managed to slip through the cracks of Apple’s App Store and is gaining popularity among users. The app in question, called Kimi, currently sits at number eight in the trending list of free entertainment apps in the Apple iOS App Store, and is even ranked 46th overall among free apps. However, the app is not what it claims to be.
Despite its name, Kimi is not a vision testing app as it purports to be. Instead, it offers users access to a wide range of movies and TV shows right from the moment they open the app. Unlike other apps that require users to bypass a splash screen or perform a trick to access the main content, Kimi provides direct access without any hassle.
The description of the app refers to it as “an interesting APP that tests your eyesight,” which is clearly misleading. The top reviews for Kimi further expose its true purpose, with users expressing their excitement about being able to watch popular movies like Frozen II and comparing it to popular streaming platforms like Netflix.
The app’s simple interface, reminiscent of the once-infamous Popcorn Time, allows users to easily browse and search for content. It features convenient filtering options and even includes a Ranking tab that showcases the most-watched content and the latest additions. It also allows users to download movies, with the quality being sufficient for casual viewing on smartphones.
The fact that an app like Kimi managed to pass Apple’s rigorous app review process raises concerns about the effectiveness of the company’s strict control measures. For years, Apple has emphasized the importance of its locked-down App Store in ensuring user safety. However, instances like this cast doubt on the validity of this claim.
Following the publication of this issue, Apple has taken swift action and removed Kimi from the App Store on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. The app had been available for download since around September of this year. It remains unclear how the app was able to fly under the radar for such a long period of time.
Apple’s response to inquiries regarding this matter is awaited, as authorities and users demand answers about this unexpected breach in App Store security.
Analyst comment
Negative news. As an analyst, the market will likely experience a temporary decline in trust in Apple’s strict control measures. Users may be more cautious about downloading apps from the App Store, and authorities may demand stronger security measures.
