iPhone Crypto Alert: 14 Apps You Must Delete Now

Why These Apps Were Removed

The decision comes straight from South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) a top watchdog that cracked down on 22 crypto platforms, including 17 foreign exchanges, for operating without proper registration.

"These platforms did not have legal authorization to operate in South Korea and posed a serious threat to user data and financial safety," the FSC said in an official statement.

The apps were reportedly live on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, bypassing legal compliance in South Korea. This loophole exposed users to unlicensed trading, poor security practices, and no investor protection.

Learn about how app licensing works on Investopedia

Already Banned in India

Interestingly, many of these apps had already been banned in India due to ongoing regulatory scrutiny.

The banned list includes some of the biggest names in the crypto world:

• Binance
• KuCoin
• Huobi
• Kraken
• Gate.io
• Bitstamp
• MEXC Global
• Bittrex
• Bitfinex

These platforms are no longer accessible on Indian app stores, either on Android or iOS. Their removal now in South Korea reflects a growing international crackdown on crypto apps operating in legal grey zones.

See how crypto is regulated in India on Wikipedia

Data Leaks & Investment Fraud: What’s at Stake?

The South Korean FSC warned that users of these apps were at high risk of:

• Data leaks: Personal details like phone numbers, KYC documents, and wallet addresses could be exposed.
• Financial fraud: Without regulation, there's no recourse if funds go missing or investments vanish.
• Money laundering: Many of these apps lacked proper AML (Anti-Money Laundering) controls, raising major red flags.

These issues aren’t just theoretical. In previous cases, such vulnerabilities have led to millions being siphoned off in scams and users being locked out of their wallets.

Explore the dangers of unlicensed crypto apps on CoinDesk

The 14 Crypto Apps You Must Delete from iPhone

Apple has already taken down these apps from its App Store. But if you had previously installed any of them, you need to manually delete them right now to avoid potential damage.

Here’s the confirmed list of apps to remove immediately:

KuCoin

MEXC Global

Phemex

BitTrue

BitGloba

CoinW

CoinEX

XT.com

ZB.com

BKEX

AAX

Poloniex

LBank

BigONE

Verify licensed crypto exchanges on the FSC website

If you find any of these on your phone, delete them immediately. Even if the app seems to work normally, the backend operations may be compromised, and your data may already be at risk.

How to Stay Safe from Crypto App Scams

Here are a few quick tips to protect your phone and finances:

• Only download crypto apps from trusted sources with clear regulatory backing.
• Check if the exchange is registered with your country’s financial authority.
• Avoid sharing sensitive information on apps that aren’t verified.
• Use wallets with multi-factor authentication and cold storage options.
• Keep your iOS and app updates turned on to stay protected from vulnerabilities.

You can also check trusted cryptocurrency exchanges via Investing.com or the CoinMarketCap Exchange list.

Final Thoughts

The removal of these 14 crypto apps is a major wake-up call for iPhone users. While these platforms may appear legitimate, their lack of regulatory approval and security protocols makes them dangerous.

If you’ve downloaded any of the apps listed above, delete them immediately, check for any suspicious activity, and consider switching to regulated exchanges with government oversight.

As global governments tighten their grip on crypto activities, staying informed is your best protection.

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