Thursday, 18 December 2025
25.6 C
Singapore
14.6 C
Thailand
25.2 C
Indonesia
26.8 C
Philippines

Piracy app Kimi outranks Netflix on App Store, Apple takes swift action

Check the rise and fall of the Kimi app - piracy platform disguised as an innocent eye-testing tool, and Apple's swift action to unapload it.

In an unprecedented turn of events within the digital landscape, an application dubbed Kimi climbed the ranks of the App Store’s top free entertainment apps, surprisingly surpassing industry behemoths like Netflix and Prime Video. This remarkable feat captured the attention of users and industry observers alike, intrigued by the sudden emergence of a seemingly obscure contender in digital entertainment. However, the joy surrounding Kimi’s meteoric ascent was short-lived, swiftly overshadowed by concerns over its covert operations and potential infringement of copyright laws.

Unveiling the mask: Kimi’s disguised deception

Under the guise of a benign eye-testing tool, Kimi artfully concealed its true nature, presenting itself as a harmless app designed to engage users in a simple yet engaging activity of discerning differences between similar images. Yet, behind this facade lay a sinister underbelly, as Kimi clandestinely provided users access to an extensive catalogue of pirated movies and TV shows. These offerings included recent blockbuster releases and critically acclaimed films, all readily available for consumption without the consent of content creators or the appropriate licensing authorities.

Seamless access, varied quality: Navigating Kimi’s user experience landscape

Despite its dubious origins, Kimi offered users an experience akin to legitimate streaming platforms, boasting a streamlined interface and intuitive navigation. Users found themselves mere clicks away from accessing a plethora of pirated content, with the app’s ease of use rivalling that of established industry leaders. However, the quality of the content on offer proved to be a point of contention, with discrepancies in resolution and visual fidelity evident across different titles. While some movies exhibited crisp visuals and high-definition playback, others were marred by pixelation and subpar streaming quality. Additionally, intrusive advertisements often disrupt the viewing experience, detracting from the app’s allure.

Apple’s vigilance: Swift intervention to preserve App Store Integrity

In response to mounting concerns over Kimi’s illicit activities, Apple took decisive action, promptly removing the app from its platform to mitigate the potential spread of pirated content. This proactive stance reaffirmed Apple’s commitment to upholding stringent standards for app integrity and content legality within the App Store ecosystem. By swiftly addressing the presence of Kimi and its ilk, Apple sought to safeguard the interests of content creators and protect the rights of intellectual property holders, thereby reinforcing its position as a steward of digital innovation and responsible digital distribution.

Despite the fleeting prominence of Kimi on the App Store, its brief moment in the spotlight serves as a sobering reminder of the ongoing battle against online piracy and the importance of robust measures to combat illicit activities in the digital domain.

Hot this week

Meta outlines evolving scam and influence threats in latest adversarial report

Meta’s latest Adversarial Threat Report highlights evolving scam networks, AI-driven abuse and efforts to protect users across APAC.

Apple’s next AirTag could introduce major upgrades to tracking and battery features

Apple’s next AirTag may bring improved pairing, longer tracking range and better battery reporting, based on features found in iOS 26.

Dishonored and Deus Ex lead reflects on Arkane Austin’s closure

Harvey Smith reflects on Arkane Austin’s closure, Redfall’s challenges, and the human cost of layoffs in today’s games industry.

Apple Studio Display 2 tipped to add 120Hz refresh rate and HDR support

Apple Studio Display 2 is tipped to feature 120Hz refresh rates, HDR support, and possibly mini-LED technology, with a launch expected in 2026.

Plaud Note Pro launches in Singapore as AI-powered note-taking device

Plaud launches the Note Pro in Singapore, introducing a slim AI note-taker with real-time human-AI alignment and up to 50 hours of recording.

Huawei unveils Mate X7 foldable phone for global markets

Huawei unveils the global Mate X7 foldable phone in Dubai, detailing design updates, camera improvements, software limits and premium pricing.

Dishonored and Deus Ex lead reflects on Arkane Austin’s closure

Harvey Smith reflects on Arkane Austin’s closure, Redfall’s challenges, and the human cost of layoffs in today’s games industry.

LG introduces Micro RGB evo TV ahead of CES 2026

LG unveils its first Micro RGB evo TV for CES 2026, promising wider colour gamut, higher brightness, and LCD performance closer to OLED.

Apple’s next AirTag could introduce major upgrades to tracking and battery features

Apple’s next AirTag may bring improved pairing, longer tracking range and better battery reporting, based on features found in iOS 26.

Related Articles

Popular Categories