Tell HN: An app is silently installing itself on my iPhone every day

14•_-x-_•2h ago

Every day for the past 3 days around 1pm EST the 'Headspace' app has been silently appearing on my iPhone (13 Pro). Automatic downloads are turned off and I've updated to the latest iOS since this started happening.

I googled around and found a couple reddit threads with people reporting the exact same thing starting 2 or 3 days ago. There were reports from people on iPhone 12 and iPhone 17 so it doesn't seem device-specific.

Anyone else seeing this? Does anyone understand how or why this is happening?

Comments

psynixx•1h ago

I’ve been getting this too, same app same behaviour… Anyone been able to figure out what is causing this?

_-x-_•38m ago

Have you downloaded the app before?

throwaway5465•1h ago

Maybe a competitor is trying to FUD them?

_-x-_•39m ago

I would imagine that this isn't (or at least shouldn't be) possible based on Apple's security. The app is automatically downloading to my phone without my permission.

k310•1h ago

Did you ever install it, or Ginger?

An app store search also turned up "Headspace Care" (Ginger)

Ginger is now Headspace Care

It would be beyond malware for an app to install itself, since there's that app store hurdle to leap. (IMO)

_-x-_•43m ago

I installed the app in March of last year, and then deleted it the same day because I didn't want to pay for the subscription

mandeepj•1h ago

How did you find that? Any notification?

_-x-_•47m ago

It just appears on my homescreen

rglover•1h ago

If you've ever installed any companion app on your desktop macOS, your phone will try to sync apps (I think the same with Apple TV). Caught me off guard a few times.

_-x-_•41m ago

No, I've never downloaded it on my desktop. It appears that I downloaded it onto my phone over a year ago (I got an email in my inbox), but didn't want to pay for it so I deleted it.

janstice•45m ago

Is your phone connected to some work mobile device management? I could imagine someone has a jinxed Jamf or intune rule that is pushing things out.

_-x-_•40m ago

No, this is my personal device. It has never been connected to any MDM.

Schiendelman•14m ago

Have you actually checked your device management settings?

teruakohatu•8m ago

Yes, there are alt app stores that try to get you to agree to installing a MDM

_-x-_•2m ago

Yes. In Settings > General > VPN & Device Management, it says VPN not connected and 'Sign in to Work or School Account'. Is there a different device management setting that I should be looking at?

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