Rave Sues Apple Over App Store Removal Amid Content Moderation Concerns
In August 2025, Apple removed the co-viewing application Rave from its App Store, citing concerns over content moderation and user safety. Rave, a platform that enables users to watch movies and TV shows together across various devices, has since filed antitrust lawsuits against Apple in multiple countries, alleging anti-competitive behavior.
Rave’s primary function is to allow synchronized viewing of content across different operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. This cross-platform capability positioned Rave as a competitor to Apple’s SharePlay, which offers similar co-viewing features but is limited to Apple’s ecosystem. Rave contends that its removal was a strategic move by Apple to eliminate competition and promote SharePlay.
However, reports from various sources indicate that Rave’s platform had significant issues with content moderation. Users reported encountering unmoderated public chatrooms, explicit content, scams, and even child sexual abuse material (CSAM). These serious concerns likely influenced Apple’s decision to remove the app to protect its users.
In response to its removal, Rave has initiated legal actions in the United States, Canada, Brazil, the Netherlands, and Russia. The company aims to challenge what it perceives as Apple’s monopolistic practices and seeks reinstatement on the App Store. Rave also claims to have developed advanced content moderation and age verification technologies to address the issues that led to its removal.
This case highlights the ongoing tension between app developers and platform owners over content moderation responsibilities and competitive practices. While Rave argues that its removal was anti-competitive, the documented content moderation failures present a compelling case for Apple’s actions to safeguard its user base.
