The hype surrounding Meta’s new Twitter alternative, Threads, is attracting attention from free riders. This is especially true in Europe, where Threads is not yet officially available. To fill this gap, an app called “Threads for Insta” has emerged in the Apple App Store. However, it is important to note that this app does not come from Meta.
“Threads for Insta” is currently listed as a top search result for “threads” in the German App Store. It uses a strongly Instagram-themed icon to deceive users into thinking it is the official Threads app. This trick seems to be working well, as the app has already reached significant download numbers and is listed in the top 10 most downloaded apps in the store.
Despite the name and icon similarities, “Threads for Insta” is not the same as the official Threads app. Instead of offering access to threads, it offers expensive subscriptions. Upon opening the app, users are immediately prompted to purchase a subscription that costs 3 euros per week. The app utilizes various tactics, such as delaying the display of a close button, to increase the completion rate of these subscriptions.
The app also features a suspicious number of five-star ratings with reviews that appear to be fake. Some users have already flagged the app as a “fake” and a “subscription trap.” Canceling Apple’s in-app subscriptions is relatively easy, but customers in Germany may need to contact Apple support directly to end subscriptions immediately instead of waiting for the end of the billing period.
It is important for app users to be cautious before downloading and to verify the authenticity of the provider before proceeding. Unfortunately, scams like this are not uncommon in the App Store, especially in popular areas like AI and social media platforms. Users should be vigilant and delete any apps that immediately offer expensive weekly subscriptions.
In the case of Threads, for users in Germany who want to install the official app, the current workaround is to use an app store where the app is already available, such as the United States. This highlights the need for stronger app control and protection from Apple.
