Apple recently pulled an app called Kimi from the App Store. It was pulled because the app, which disguised itself as one of those programs that let you test your eyesight, was an app that streamed pirated movies and shows to the users.
According to Wired, Kimi offered users shows that included recently released blockbusters, as well as award-winning films, albeit in varying and questionable quality. At one point, the app’s popularity on the App Store rose so quickly after users clued in, it was briefly more popular than the other legitimate streaming services, including Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video.
Examples of some shows that were being streamed on Kimi included a very clear version of Killers of the Flower Moon but it should also be noted that many users pointed out that these shows were peppered with very intrusive ads, mostly for online casinos. Other shows supposedly included the most recent episodes of US shows, such as RuPaul’s Drag Race.
This isn’t the first time a piracy streaming app has been garnered attention on the App Store. Some of you may remember Popcorn Time, the app that well and truly shuttered its “services” back in 2022. With Kimi, it is also becoming evident that a resurgence in piracy is on the loom and this time, it’s likely being brought about as proper streaming services are beginning their crackdown on password-sharing.
