Apps being downloaded without me downloading them

The only ways I can think of this happening are:

1) You bought the apps on a different device and have automatic downloads enabled. To prevent apps downloaded on one device from automatically downloading to other devices, turn off Settings > App Store > App Downloads.

2) Your account is compromised and somebody else downloaded the apps on their device and you have automatic downloads enabled which means you are seeing them too. Read this document if you think your Apple ID has been compromised. --> If you think your Apple ID has been compromised - Apple Support

For iOS 15 or earlier, if you want to see if anyone else has access to your device or accounts, click here --> See who has access to your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

For iOS 16 or later see how Safety Check on iPhone works to keep you safe. How Safety Check on iPhone works to keep you safe - Apple Support

Use the information in this document to check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in --> Check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in - Apple Support

Related materials:

Personal Safety User Guide

Personal Safety User Guide - Apple Support

> open the Table of Contents and review the articles

A document with general information about security and your Apple ID --> Security and your Apple ID - Apple Support

Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security by clicking on this link --> Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security - Apple Support "This article provides country-specific Apple Support contact information for customers seeking help with their Apple ID password or other security-related issues."

3) You let somebody else (a child?) have access to your device and they downloaded the app. To require a password for App Store and iTunes purchases see this support article -->

Require a password for App Store and iTunes purchases - Apple Support

If you share an account and somebody else downloaded it, it might appear on your device too. See Automatic Downloads in How to manually update apps on your Apple device - Apple Support

If your account is compromised the same could happen.

Read this document if you think your Apple ID has been compromised. --> If you think your Apple ID has been compromised - Apple Support

For iOS 15 or earlier, if you want to see if anyone else has access to your device or accounts, click here --> See who has access to your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

For iOS 16 or later see how Safety Check on iPhone works to keep you safe. How Safety Check on iPhone works to keep you safe - Apple Support

Use the information in this document to check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in --> Check your Apple ID device list to find where you're signed in - Apple Support

Related materials:

Personal Safety User Guide

Personal Safety User Guide - Apple Support

> open the Table of Contents and review the articles

A document with general information about security and your Apple ID --> Security and your Apple ID - Apple Support

Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security. This page provides country-specific Apple Support contact information ➞ Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Yes, the originator of this thread got several replies. What we never heard was a follow-up. ;-) Presumably our replies solved everything.

Thanks. We might not have figured it out because your phrasing made it sound like this was happening with multiple apps over a time period, not just once.

Are you sure that you never have downloaded this apps, also not on other apple devices?

If the answer is no, I recccomend that you change your Apple ID password and see if the issues are persisting after that

This happened to me also. It is several new apps. I do not have these apps on any other device. I never downloaded them ANYWHERE. I noticed them when I went into the App Library when you pull the screen all the way left.

They just came out of no where. Not only that since I never use them, if they were apps I forgot about and don’t use they would’ve been offloaded and would have the cloud w the arrow symbol.

Nope these are brand new fresh apps downloading that I’ve never used.

This happened with me also with an app called Tagged dating app

Did you ever get an answer