ChatGPT has become a go-to for quick answers, homework help, idea brainstorming, and more. However, while the official ChatGPT app from OpenAI is free and easy to use, the app store isn't always straightforward. Search "ChatGPT" on your iPhone, and you'll find dozens of apps that claim to offer the same thing. Some are copycats. Some are scams. And some just want your money. So, how do you know which one is real? That's what this article is all about.

Why Fake ChatGPT Apps Exist?

The real ChatGPT is free to use through OpenAI's official app. But not everyone knows that. Some developers take advantage of this by creating lookalike apps that charge for things you can get for free. These apps often use names like "AI Chat Pro," "Smart GPT Bot," or "AI Chat Assistant." OpenAI doesn't make them, but they try to sound like they are. Their icons might even look similar—same colors, same letters, same robot faces.

Some fake apps don’t just trick people into paying. They might also show tons of ads, collect your data, or just crash constantly. A few are totally harmless, but others can be sneaky and dishonest.

It’s kind of like going to a store to buy a soda, and someone hands you a can that looks like a Coca-Cola but says “Coola-Kola” if you read the label carefully. Same red, same shape—but definitely not the same drink.

How to Tell If an App Is Fake?

So, how can you avoid getting tricked? Here's what to look out for:

Check the Developer's Name

This is one of the easiest ways to spot a fake. OpenAI publishes the real ChatGPT app. Anything else—whether it's "AI Tech Solutions," "FutureBot LLC,” or “SmartApps Inc.”—is not the real deal. Even if the app has good ratings, if the developer isn't OpenAI, it’s not official.

To check this, just tap on the app listing and scroll down to “Developer.” If it doesn’t say OpenAI, that’s a red flag.

Read the Reviews Carefully

Fake apps often have lots of suspicious reviews. You might see a bunch of five-star ratings that all say things like “Great app!!” or “Very useful!!!” with little detail. These can be fake reviews, possibly written by bots or paid users.

Look for honest, detailed reviews that talk about real experiences. If people are complaining about surprise charges, weird ads, or basic features being locked behind a paywall, that’s a clue.

Watch Out for High Subscription Fees

The official ChatGPT app is free to download and use. If you see an app charging $7.99 a week or $30 a month, that's not normal. Some fake apps hide their prices behind free trials that turn into expensive subscriptions if you forget to cancel.

Always read the fine print before clicking “Subscribe” or “Start Free Trial.” Some developers make canceling hard on purpose, so be cautious.

Look at the App Icon and Name

Fake apps often copy the design of the real one to confuse people. Maybe it’s a white robot on a black background. Maybe it uses “ChatGPT” somewhere in the name but adds extra words like “Genius AI” or “SuperBot.”

The official app is called ChatGPT, and the logo has a geometric pattern that looks like a knot. If it looks off, it probably is.

Check App Permissions

When you install any app, it asks for permissions—like access to your camera, microphone, or location. A real ChatGPT app doesn’t need much. If a fake app asks for access to everything, that’s suspicious. It might be collecting more than just your questions.

If an app seems overly interested in your data, delete it. You don’t need an AI chatbot to know where you are 24/7.

What to Do If You Downloaded a Fake One?

So, let's say you installed a ChatGPT-looking app that's not really from OpenAI. What now?

First, delete it. Even if it seemed to work fine, it’s better to be safe. If the app charged you, go to your Apple ID settings and cancel any subscriptions. You can also report the app to Apple by scrolling to the bottom of the App Store listing and tapping “Report a Problem.”

Next, check your payment history. Look at recent purchases on your Apple account. If you see charges you didn't expect, contact Apple Support. They can help you request a refund, especially if the app is misleading.

Finally, install the real one. The official ChatGPT app from OpenAI is available on the App Store. Just make sure the developer listed is OpenAI and nothing else. It’s free, safe, and works exactly as it should.

Why It Matters?

Some people might think, "What's the big deal? It's just an app." But the truth is that fake apps can waste your money, steal your data, or give you a bad impression of a useful tool.

When apps pretend to be something they’re not, it’s not just sneaky—it’s harmful. It confuses users, clutters the App Store, and makes it harder to find the tools that actually work. And when those fake apps are tied to something as popular as ChatGPT, the problem gets worse fast.

If enough people install fakes, it can rise in the App Store rankings and trick even more users. It's a cycle—and one we can break by being more careful about what we download.

Conclusion

Fake ChatGPT apps on the Apple App Store are more common than you’d think. The best way to avoid them? Stick with the official app from OpenAI, pay attention to developer names, read reviews, and think twice before hitting “subscribe.” A little caution goes a long way when you’re dealing with AI apps that are this popular. Stay alert, and you’ll stay safe.