Apple’s iOS 18.4 update, currently in public beta, is bringing AI-generated summaries for App Store reviews. This feature, powered by Apple Intelligence, will provide users with a quick overview of app reviews by summarizing key points into a short paragraph. The AI-generated summaries aim to make it easier for users to assess an app’s quality without reading through multiple reviews.
According to Apple’s website, the summaries will be generated using large language models (LLMs) and refreshed weekly for apps and games that receive enough reviews. However, the company has not disclosed the minimum number of reviews required for an app to qualify. Users can report problems with the feature by tapping and holding on a review, while developers can flag issues through App Store Connect. Initially, the feature will launch in English in the U.S. before expanding to more regions and languages later this year. It will also be available in iPadOS 18.4.
Potential for Manipulation Raises Concerns
The AI-generated summaries offer convenience, however, they also raise concerns about potential misuse. Fake reviews have long been an issue in digital marketplaces, with some app developers using bots or paid reviewers to boost their ratings. AI-generated summaries could make it easier for such fake reviews to appear credible, as users may rely more on the summary rather than reading individual reviews.
Apple has included reporting options to help minimize inaccuracies and manipulation, but whether these measures will be effective remains to be seen. Other tech giants, such as Amazon and Google, have also introduced AI-powered review summaries and faced similar challenges. AI sometimes overlooks critical feedback or fails to highlight key concerns, which could lead to misleading summaries.
The success of Apple’s AI review summaries will depend on how well the system filters out fake reviews and ensures a fair balance between positive and negative feedback. If misused, this feature could reduce trust in the App Store’s review system, making it harder for users to determine which apps are truly worth downloading.