I can’t see any way to report fraudulent or offensive adverts within apps.
Apple has high standards for the apps that are available on the App Store, yet it seems there is no control over the adverts within apps those apps. These can range from explicit and offensive sexual content to obvious scams using genuine and reputable high-street companies’ names/logos (e.g. in the UK: Marks & Spencer, Boots, Clarks).
iPad mini 6, iPadOS 26
superted2uk wrote:
Hi Kurt,
Thanks for trying to help. I know about that but the only options are for complaints about the app:
• Request a refund [not applicable]
• Report a scam or fraud
• Report offensive, illegal or abusive content
These apply to the apps themselves (which are fine). The problem is with the adverts, and there’s no specific option for that, nor any ‘problem not listed’ option.
It is the app that supplies those ads, so reporting the app for the offensive/scam ads they are providing is what should be done.
You can also contact the app developer, since they have contracted with the Ad Provider and are paid by them to show you those ads.
Apple does not place ads within apps and do not receive income or pay the developers for any ads. It is the app that is the problem and more specifically the ad provider that the developer of the app uses for their income. The developer has the control over the ads that appear within their apps. Apple cannot remove ads from an app, but the app can be removed from the App Store by Apple if it does not comply with the App Submission Guidelines.
superted2uk wrote:
Hi Kurt,
Thanks for trying to help. I know about that but the only options are for complaints about the app:
• Request a refund [not applicable]
• Report a scam or fraud
• Report offensive, illegal or abusive content
These apply to the apps themselves (which are fine). The problem is with the adverts, and there’s no specific option for that, nor any ‘problem not listed’ option.
It is the app that supplies those ads, so reporting the app for the offensive/scam ads they are providing is what should be done.
You can also contact the app developer, since they have contracted with the Ad Provider and are paid by them to show you those ads.
Apple does not place ads within apps and do not receive income or pay the developers for any ads. It is the app that is the problem and more specifically the ad provider that the developer of the app uses for their income. The developer has the control over the ads that appear within their apps. Apple cannot remove ads from an app, but the app can be removed from the App Store by Apple if it does not comply with the App Submission Guidelines.
For any app you've acquired, you can go to that item in the App Store and click the link (towards the bottom right of the item description) to Report a Problem.
“Report offensive, illegal or abusive content” would certainly apply. Apple isn’t providing the adds, the app vendor is (or is allowing a third party to do so via the app’s internet stream). From Apple’s point of view, these ads are part of the app.
Hi Kurt,
Thanks for trying to help. I know about that but the only options are for complaints about the app:
• Request a refund [not applicable]
• Report a scam or fraud
• Report offensive, illegal or abusive content
These apply to the apps themselves (which are fine). The problem is with the adverts, and there’s no specific option for that, nor any ‘problem not listed’ option.
How do I report and stop scam adverts on App Store games?
