Sketchy ChatGPT App Soars Up App Store Charts, Charges $7.99 Weekly Subscription [Update: Removed]

[compwiz1202]

$8 a week?

Even Adobe and MS don't gouge us for that much.

You'll find a lot of scam apps on the AppStore and PlayStore. Stuff like translation apps that charges $5 or so a month. There a plenty of free translation apps from reputable developers and free online translators.

Caveat Emptor.

So Apple has a team of Winston Wolfe?

I want join the Wolfe Pack.😎

Worst one to me is a simple checkbook register that does addition and subtraction had a $10 sub. That seems to be the kind of app that doesn't really change so it should have a one time fee. Finally found one that was 99c once. Think devs should get money, but only subs if things are being updated

 

[MadDawg2020]

Just think - for every one of these Scam Apps and Developers that make it through Apple’s screening, there are dozens more on the Google Store and other platforms.

 

[fede777]

I was testing this OpenAI thing in 2 different ways.

1. I downloaded an app, Merlin AI, which was free, and then it was updated to introduce subscriptions, deleted.

2. Someone made a very good Shortcut that works with spoken language, all you need is your own OpenIA API key
Link

https://www.reddit.com/r/shortcuts/comments/zwll1c

 

[MadDawg2020]

Using it with my daughter to help write college admission letters

This thing is no joke

Yes In other words you are using it to CHEAT by stealing the original work of others!
Great example you are setting for your daughter.

 

[sw1tcher]

Yes In other words you are using it to CHEAT by stealing the original work of others!
Great example you are setting for your daughter.

Just wait until students start using it to write their term papers.

 

[SnappleRumors]

Using it with my daughter to help write college admission letters

This thing is no joke

I reviewed some exemplars across lower grade levels and found the AI samples easily identifiable. See the article below from this morning.

Good luck with the letters...assume you’re collecting recommendation letters too. Good luck!!! Stressful time when we went through it. Last question (at the risk of being off topic) what are her top 5 choices?

A college student created an app that can tell whether AI wrote an essay

Some students have been using ChatGPT, a text-based bot, to do their homework for them. Now, 22-year-old Edward Tian's new app is attracting educators working to combat AI plagiarism.

www.npr.org

 

[SnappleRumors]

Just wait until students start using it to write their term papers.

A college student created an app that can tell whether AI wrote an essay

Some students have been using ChatGPT, a text-based bot, to do their homework for them. Now, 22-year-old Edward Tian's new app is attracting educators working to combat AI plagiarism.

www.npr.org

 

[SnappleRumors]

Yes In other words you are using it to CHEAT by stealing the original work of others!
Great example you are setting for your daughter.

I disagree. Reviewing sample letters and documents for direction and ideas isn’t cheating or plagiarism. It seems Red Oak and his/her daughter are using all possible resources to prepare. That is a good example.

ETA: Should have said Red Oak. Apologies to all.

 

[Bokito]

This App probably got it’s top #10 spot from a download-farm with Apple not paying attention to that either. Then all the buss gets it’s to #1. Hope the App is gone by the day as is the developer.

It’s time to clean up the App Store Apple, once and for all!

 

[Mousse]

Just think - for every one of these Scam Apps and Developers that make it through Apple’s screening, there are dozens more on the Google Store and other platforms.

Android users haven't been gaslit into thinking "If it's on the PlayStore it's gotta be safe." We're more vigilant in what we get from the PlayStore.

I have yet for fall for scam app/spyware app like FaceBook or TikTok that exist on both the AppStore and PlayStore.😝 The best security is between the ears.🧐

 

[BornAgainMac]

ChatGPT is overloaded using the free Website. So these shady paid apps will probably get the same problem.

 

[gugy]

This AI **** is going to ruin my career. I should figure out how to capitalise on it...

AI is going to destroy a lot of people's careers. Mine included as a designer. IMO, it's sad because it foster laziness and people not taking the effort to learn a craft and master it. AI makes it very easy to accomplish many things.
It is what it is. We can't stop "progress". I am just curious at how society will deal with the obsolesce of large part of the population in the near future.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

Apple protects users by vetting apps. lol

First, if sideloading were supported, it would be easier for harmful apps
to reach users. Direct downloads are unvetted, and the large amount of
malware that proliferates on third-party app stores shows that those stores do
not have sufficient vetting procedures to check for harmful apps. Users would
now be responsible for determining whether sideloaded apps are safe, a very
difficult task even for experts. Apple currently protects users by vetting apps
and developers on the App Store, keeping illegitimate apps out, and quickly
containing the spread of harmful apps

https://www.apple.com/privacy/docs/Building_a_Trusted_Ecosystem_for_Millions_of_Apps_A_Threat_Analysis_of_Sideloading.pdf

 

[riverfreak]

This actually makes me think that forcing alternative App Stores could be a good idea.

What if there were OTHER app stores with HIGHER bars for inclusion? It’s clear Apple vetting could be better. There’s no need for a billion apps. Just the best, the most secure, the least invasive.

That’s an App Store I’d subscribe to.

 

[deevey]

Does the App Function?
Is there malware ?
Is it illegal ?
Does it violate the App Stores T&C as it stands ?

If the answer is no, then why would it not be allowed.

Now If there is trademark/copyright violation or misuse of API's it's not apples juristiction to police, the copyright owners would need to file a case.

 

[Mrkevinfinnerty]

Does the App Function?
Is there malware ?
Is it illegal ?
Does it violate the App Stores T&C as it stands ?

If the answer is no, then why would it not be allowed.

Now If there is trademark/copyright violation or misuse of API's it's not apples juristiction to police, the copyright owners would need to file a case.

5.2 Intellectual Property
Make sure your app only includes content that you created or that you have a license to use. Your app may be removed if you’ve stepped over the line and used content without permission. Of course, this also means someone else’s app may be removed if they’ve “borrowed” from your work. If you believe your intellectual property has been infringed by another developer on the App Store, submit a claim via our web form. Laws differ in different countries and regions, but at the very least, make sure to avoid the following common errors:

• 5.2.1 Generally: Don’t use protected third-party material such as trademarks, copyrighted works, or patented ideas in your app without permission, and don’t include misleading, false, or copycat representations, names, or metadata in your app bundle or developer name. Apps should be submitted by the person or legal entity that owns or has licensed the intellectual property and other relevant rights.
• 5.2.2 Third-Party Sites/Services: If your app uses, accesses, monetizes access to, or displays content from a third-party service, ensure that you are specifically permitted to do so under the service’s terms of use. Authorization must be provided upon request.

App Review Guidelines - Apple Developer

The App Review Guidelines provide guidance and examples across a range of development topics, including user interface design, functionality, content, and the use of specific technologies. These guidelines are designed to help you prepare your apps for the approval process.

developer.apple.com

 

[Edsel]

The Apple App store has turned into junk. I gave up several years ago with their crazy subscription based and Ad infused apps. It's like going to a high-end Neiman Marcus store to purchase the same junk you'd get from Walmart for less than half the cost.

 

[randomthoughts]

And that's why we don't want to have third party app stores. That's why we pay 30% of our revenue as a commission. So that we have actual qualit... oh wait nevermind

No system is 100%, but it’s Apple’s reputation that’s on the line being responsible for reviewing the apps and gets scrutiny (rightly so) when something like this happens. It would be far worse with 3rd party app stores. If there are scammers with apps, there will be scammers with app stores, too. And Apple won’t be able to pull the app either.

 

[JamesHolden]

How Apple is allowing these apps on the App Store is shocking to me

It's not shocking at all. They've been allowing scam apps from the beginning. Anyone who thinks Apple's app review process weeds this sort of thing out is delusional. There are countless apps in the app store that harvest data. There are countless scam apps. The App Store is full of this stuff. Apple's claims about privacy and security are all smoke and mirrors.

 

[mike2q]

Does the App Function?
Is there malware ?
Is it illegal ?
Does it violate the App Stores T&C as it stands ?

If the answer is no, then why would it not be allowed.

Now If there is trademark/copyright violation or misuse of API's it's not apples juristiction to police, the copyright owners would need to file a case.

The app has a title that would lead the average user to believe it was released by the OpenAI team rather than some small developer trying to take advantage of unsuspecting users. That's an obvious attempt at deception that should most definitely violate any app stores policies. I think this clearly illustrates that app store policies are in place to protect Apple profits more than users.

 

[mike2q]

No system is 100%, but it’s Apple’s reputation that’s on the line being responsible for reviewing the apps and gets scrutiny (rightly so) when something like this happens. It would be far worse with 3rd party app stores. If there are scammers with apps, there will be scammers with app stores, too. And Apple won’t be able to pull the app either.

Not true. Each app store would develop it's own reputation over time and users would have a choice about which to trust. You'd still be able to stick to only Apple just like on the Mac store.

 

[JamesHolden]

And that's why we don't want to have third party app stores. That's why we pay 30% of our revenue as a commission. So that we have actual qualit... oh wait nevermind

Apple's App Store monopoly has nothing to do with "quality" or "security" or whatever other nonsense they claim and their fanboys then parrot. It's all about the $$$, always has been. If they cared about "privacy" and "security" like they claim, they'd spend more of that $25B+ they rake in on the App Store to make it more secure. But they don't. They've been approving questionable apps since the very beginning.

 

[JamesHolden]

Not true. Each app store would develop it's own reputation over time and users would have a choice about which to trust. You'd still be able to stick to only Apple just like on the Mac store.

Exactly. Plus...I don't know...you'd also be able to be an adult and make your own choices instead of having a big corporation try to censor, nanny and control you.

 

[Wollombi]

The cold, hard truth is Apple doesn't actually GAF unless it harms devices or software. They get a 30% cut if it's over $1 million, so what is their motivation to stop them if all it is doing is collecting money? None.

Meanwhile, they continue their propaganda about it being a "trusted source" in an attempt to stave off more lawsuits over their monopoly on distribution to iOS devices.

 

[coolfactor]

$7.99 weekly or $49.99 annually?

Well, that's a good savings. Around 88%. lol

Yup, more evidence of the slimy people behind this app. Playing mind games.