According to multiple user reports on Reddit, apps like Squid Game, Cooking Mama, and even Dropbox have popped up unexpectedly. These reports started soon after iOS 18.4 rolled out on March 31, 2025. One user described the experience as feeling like they were using a cheap phone where random apps install without consent.
Although many of the unexpected apps are games, that may be due to the large number of games available on the App Store. Still, users say they didn’t trigger these downloads. Most have ruled out common reasons such as iCloud syncing or device sharing.
iPhones Not Jailbroken or Compromised
Most of the affected users say they have never jailbroken their devices or used third-party app stores. That rules out external tampering and points to a potential glitch in the system.
So far, the issue appears to affect only iPhones running iOS 18.4. There have been no reports from users on older versions of iOS.
Experts suggest this may be linked to a bug in Apple’s App Store database, rather than in the iOS software itself. However, nothing has been confirmed yet.
What Should Users Do?
Apple has not yet responded to the issue. Affected users are encouraged to contact Apple Support directly. Reports shared on social media or forums won’t reach Apple unless formally submitted.
Until Apple addresses the bug, users may want to monitor their app activity closely. Deleting the unexpected apps manually appears to work—for now.
As the story develops, more users may come forward. If the bug is widespread, Apple may need to release a quick patch.
