The third most popular free iPhone app in the U.S. App Store today is a mysterious productivity app that’s only available in Russian. That’s a pretty obvious red flag that something isn’t quite what it seems.
‘Sirius’ Pomodoro method app is not what it seems #
AI chatbot apps from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google usually take up the first three spots on the App Store’s most downloaded chart.
Recently, competition from the dating reality show* Love Island *has put both Peacock and the Love Island USA voting app in the top charts as well. Threads and Planet Fitness are also doing well with downloads this week.
But on Friday morning, a random productivity app called Cириус broke into the top three.
The app icon looks similar to a star mapping app. The app itself isn’t available in English. It seems unlikely that this productivity app organically found its way to the third-place ranking for its advertised purpose.
The translated app description reads as follows:
“Perform any tasks with ease using the Pomodoro method. A classic timer for 25 minutes of work and 5 minutes of rest is suitable for all spheres of life: health, finances and career, life, hobbies, self-development, rest.
What you can do in the application:
*create a list of tasks and easily manage them on one screen; select a task and start the timer for the standard or your own time; monitor the analytics of your productivity;add reports to completed tasks: photos, voice notes, locations; get smart recommendations and work more efficiently;*watch the history of all tasks and achievements.
Sirius will help you manage time, maintain concentration in the moment and achieve cosmic results.”
VTB Bank isn’t allowed to distribute software in the US #
The reality seems to be that the app is a Russian banking app disguised as a Pomodoro timer. Activity on Telegram this week points to the app actually being a client for Russian financial institution VTB Bank.
VTB Bank has been heavily sanctioned by the U.S. government for years, forcing the state-owned institution to rely on shell developer accounts and disguised apps to bypass Apple’s strict ban on sanctioned entities.
The app will almost certainly be pulled soon, but it’s always surprising that existing systems in place sometimes miss detecting apps disguised like this.
For now, the App Store’s top charts feature is a strong indicator of when something isn’t quite right. In the meantime, we definitely recommend avoiding the disguised Russian banking app. Do more with your Apple products
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