---
title: "Apple Issues Urgent Notice: Infected iOS Apps Named and How to Respond"
locale: "en"
language: "en-HK"
published: "2015-10-13T12:27:45+08:00"
updated: "2026-03-17T23:05:35.929Z"
canonical: "https://accordhk.com/blog/apple-issues-urgent-notice-infected-ios-apps-named-and-how-to-respond-229"
---

# Apple Issues Urgent Notice: Infected iOS Apps Named and How to Respond

Following the Xcodeghost incident on the App Store, Apple issued an official notice explaining the cause, its findings on user impact, and the steps users should take to update affected apps.

## In brief

Check affected apps for updates and install any available update to resolve the problem. In its notice, Apple said it was removing infected apps and blocking new ones, with no indication at the time of malicious incidents or transmission of personally identifiable information.

Several days have passed since the Xcodeghost malware incident involving [apps](<http://app-developer-hongkong.com>) on the App Store. Today, Apple finally issued an official notice responding to the incident and explaining how users should respond.

What happened?  

Apple first explained that the incident arose because developers downloaded pirated copies of the Xcode development tools that had been infected with malware. The[ apps ](<http://app-development-hongkong.com>)built using those tools were also infected. Developers downloaded these pirated copies of Xcode from sources other than Apple's official channels to speed up their downloads.

How does this affect users?  

Apple stated that there was currently no indication that the infected [apps](<http://hongkongappdeveloper.com>) had caused any “malicious incidents”, nor was there any indication that these [apps](<http://appdeveloperhongkong.com>) had been used to transmit any personally identifiable information. The malware also could not obtain passwords for iCloud or other services through users' identities.

What should users do?  

Apple said that it would remove infected [apps](<http://appcompanyhk.com>) as soon as they were discovered. It had also blocked new infected [apps](<http://appscompanyhk.com>) from entering the App Store. If you have already installed any of the infected apps, check whether updates are available. If an update is available, installing it will resolve the problem. Previously affected[ apps](<http://appcompanyhongkong.com>) that return to the App Store have been updated to remove the malware; any [app](<http://hongkongmobiledeveloper.com>) that has not yet returned will be updated soon.

https://hk.lifestyle.yahoo.com/apple-%E7%B7%8A%E6%80%A5%E9%80%9A%E5%91%8A-%E5%85%AC%E9%96%8B%E6%9C%89%E6%AF%92-ios-apps-060949737.html

## Frequently asked questions

### What caused the Xcodeghost app infections?

Developers downloaded pirated copies of the Xcode development tools that had been infected with malware. Apps built using those tools were also infected.

### Why did developers download Xcode from unofficial sources?

According to the article, developers used sources other than Apple's official channels to speed up their downloads.

### Did Apple find evidence that users' personal information had been transmitted?

At the time of the notice, Apple said there was no indication that the affected apps had been used to transmit personally identifiable information. It also reported no indication of any “malicious incidents” caused by the apps.

### What should I do if I installed an affected app?

Check whether an update is available and install it to resolve the problem. The article states that previously affected apps returning to the App Store had been updated to remove the malware.

### What action did Apple take against infected apps?

Apple said it would remove infected apps as soon as they were discovered and had blocked new infected apps from entering the App Store. Apps that had not yet returned were expected to be updated soon.