Is APKPure Safe

What is APKPure?

APKPure is a platform where mobile phone users can download a variety of products, like apps, games, and files that are otherwise difficult to find. It’s an alternative platform to official stores like the Google Play Store and App Store, as it lists apps you wouldn’t normally find on those platforms. APKPure can be accessed online and in the form of an app.

1. Who made APKPure?

APKPure was developed by the APKPure Team in 2014. The APKPure website states that the team founded APKPure to provide mobile users a better way to enjoy mobile life and an overall faster, better, and safer software download experience.

2. Is APKPure legal?

APKPure, in and of itself, is legal. However, it can contain illegal content, like restricted, pirated, or cracked apps (apps whose security and licensing have been altered), which is illegal. Additionally, some apps on APKPure aren’t published by their developers or with their consent, so they’re listed there illegally because they breach copyright laws.

Therefore, you must tread carefully when using the platform and choose your apps wisely to stay on the right side of the law. Keep in mind, also, that downloading pirated apps perpetuates piracy. You can play your part by not downloading such apps listed on APKPure to support their developers in your own way.

It is a good rule of thumb to avoid downloading apps on any third-party apps. However, there is one more way you could protect your computer and your privacy—scan your computer for malicious software with Clario AntiSpy:

1. Download Clario AntiSpy, get a subscription, and create an account.
2. Hit Anti Spy scan, then Start scan.
3. Wait for Clario AntiSpy to run a deep scan. If any threats are found, follow the on-screen instructions on how to get rid of them.

Is it safe to use APKPure?

The APKPure site is not secure. In 2021, it was infected with a malicious module that downloaded Trojans onto Android devices. APKPure released a new version to remove the threat, but the damage had already been done. Users were subject to adware in their browsers, and those who didn’t implement the app update remained vulnerable to malware.  

The fact is that APKPure is not an official app store. It lacks the rigorous security measures implemented by official app stores like the Google Play Store and Apple’s App Store that protect users from malicious threats and attacks, which makes it unsafe to use.

These include internet phishing scams, ransomware, hacking, and spyware. While antivirus tools can spot some of these threats through a scan and stop them by blocking them, that would be after the fact. The best solution is to avoid infection by not using unsafe apps altogether.

Years after the APKPure Trojan incident, the platform remains unsafe for two reasons:

1. APKPure is open-source software. That means anyone can upload APKs, including copyrighted apps, fake apps, restricted apps, and more, which is illegal. These apps would be unsafe to use because they break the law and may be vulnerable to malware. Using them can expose your phone to viruses and malware threats, compromising your privacy.
2. APKPure lacks sufficient security measures. Its apps don’t go through security testing to ensure they’re safe for users. Therefore, downloading them is a huge security and privacy risk, as they likely contain security vulnerabilities that can easily be exploited by hackers and bad actors.

Is APKPure safe for iOS?

While APKPure is more popular among Android users, the platform also offers iOS apps. iPhone users can download a host of iOS apps and games that are either locked or unavailable in their countries. Having said that, APKPure is no safer for iOS users than it is for Android users. It doesn’t implement strict security measures and protocols to ensure the apps listed are safe and secure. If you’re an iPhone owner, the App Store is your safest option for downloading games and apps.

As you can see, official app stores offer millions of options to choose from. With so many options, you’re likely to find what you’re looking for on these platforms. And if the particular app you’re interested in isn’t listed, you can find something that comes close to it instead of turning to unofficial app stores like APKPure.  

APKPure pros and cons

APKPure allows you to install apps locked in your country and previous app versions. It offers apps that you can’t find on the official app stores. App updates are available faster on APKPure due to the lack of vetting. However, apps on APKPure are subject to security system vulnerabilities. Additionally, they don’t have age restrictions, making them unsafe for children.

Below are all the advantages and disadvantages of using APKPure.

1. Pros of APKPure

APKPure isn’t all bad. There are a few reasons why you would turn to it. We’ve listed the main ones below.

1. Install country-specific apps

Google Play shows you apps based on the country or region you’re in. There are multiple reasons for this, including the language restrictions on certain apps. In other cases, political tensions dictate what apps can be listed in certain countries. Regardless, Google Play limits the apps it offers you based on where you live.  

APKPure, on the other hand, doesn’t have such restrictions. It lists apps that you otherwise wouldn’t have access to in your country or on official app stores like Google Play, which gives you more options to choose from.

2. Access to program version history

APKPure allows users access to the full archive of an app’s version history. This is particularly useful for users who prefer older app versions for one reason or another, like the features or interface they offer. This isn’t the case on official app stores. Accessing apps’ version history is, therefore, a big draw card for APKPure users.

3. App availability

APKPure offers a wider range of apps and programs due to its lack of restrictions. Developers who are rejected by the App Store and Google Play are likely to be allowed to list on APKPure. They can also adjust their apps to their liking, which includes adding modifications that would be rejected by the likes of Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store.

This gives users more options to choose from on the APKPure platform. Additionally, APKPure offers apps that were discontinued on official app stores. Users who were fans of these apps flock to APKPure to access them after they’ve been delisted from the App Store and Google Play.

4. Updates faster

We’ve established that official app stores like the Apple App Store and Google Play go to great lengths to review apps’ security before listing them. But it doesn’t end there—apps on these platforms aren’t suddenly let off the hook and forgotten after being listed.  

The apps are also vetted and subjected to security scrutinization with each update, which delays the implementation of their updates. This ensures that apps that are listed for long periods continue to be checked for safety as more people use and download them over time. In other words, they must continuously abide by the official app store’s rules and regulations as long as they’re listed.

Conversely, APKPure doesn’t subject apps to these measures, which results in app updates being released much faster. Users who are eager to implement new updates or want to be first in line to use updated app versions will appreciate this.

2. Cons of APKPure

Many of the reasons why mobile phone owners use APKPure are what makes it unsafe to use. If you’ve had any reservations about using APKPure, the reasons below might provide the confirmation you need to avoid using it or delete it from your phone.

1. Security system vulnerabilities

We’ve mentioned that APKPure gives you access to older app versions. While this is convenient for some users based on their preferences, it’s not ideal. There’s a reason why developers release app updates. They include much-needed security patches and bug fixes that address security loopholes in apps, which protects users from malware threats like the virus on Android. Therefore, APKPure is not reliable, and downloading and using older versions of apps opens you up to vulnerabilities, which can be exploited by cybercriminals.

2. The absence of age restrictions

Official app stores include protections for children that ensure they aren’t exposed to adult or inappropriate content. This isn’t the case with APKPure, which allows anyone to download age-restricted apps. Not only does it expose children to potentially harmful content, but it also makes it possible for advertisers to target them with ads that aren’t age-appropriate. This makes APKPure unsuitable for children.

3. No restrictions on applications

The apps you see on Google Play and the App Store didn’t end up there by chance. They were vetted and approved as safe after passing the strictest security measures. On the flip side, some apps don’t make it through those rigorous security tests and are rejected by Google Play and the App Store. Some apps end up being listed on third-party app stores like APKPure, which have more relaxed restrictions. Unfortunately, this means the apps listed on APKPure could be unsafe.

Have you installed an app from APKPure and suspected it was spying on you? Learn how to check if your phone is tapped or hacked to know for sure.

Is APKPure secure or not?

APKPure is convenient for many users, especially those who are attached to certain apps that have been discontinued on official app stores. APKPure is legit, and as you’ve seen, there are several advantages to using it, but the disadvantages outweigh them. APKPure opens you up to security vulnerabilities due to its lack of restrictions and regulations.

So, while the platform itself may be safe, the apps are likely prime targets for hackers and cybercriminals. Therefore, APKPure is not secure, and you must avoid using it if you want to protect your privacy and remain a law-abiding citizen. Use Clario’s AntiSpy scan to implement anti-spy protection and prevent falling victim to spying threats.