OpenAI’s new AI-powered video app Sora is seeing explosive demand among iOS users — so much so that scam apps are popping up to cash in.
TechCrunch recently revealed that several fake Sora apps managed to slip through Apple’s App Store review process in the days after launch. At least a dozen copycat listings appeared, though most have since been removed. As of now, there are no obvious clones using the exact “Sora” name on iOS, but some AI video tools claim to give access to the supposed “Sora 2” generative model.
On Google Play, however, some fake listings remain live. These aren’t unrelated apps coincidentally using the name — they include blatant titles like Sora 2 Video Maker designed to mislead unsuspecting users.
Limited Availability Fuels Frenzy
Currently, the official Sora app is only available for iOS users in the United States and Canada, with OpenAI promising rapid expansion to other countries. The app is free to download, but an invite code is required to actually use it — a restriction that’s driving FOMO among fans.
If you’re looking to download Sora, it’s easy to find: it’s ranked No. 1 in the App Store. Just make sure the developer listed is OpenAI before installing.
Early Copyright Controversy
Beyond scams, Sora is already facing its first creative controversy. Shortly after launch, its social feed was flooded with videos featuring well-known copyrighted characters — including SpongeBob Squarepants, Pokémon, and Rick and Morty — raising questions around how OpenAI will handle protected IP on its platform.
Mashable has been testing Sora to see how it stacks up against other cutting-edge AI video models such as Google’s Veo 3 and LumaAI’s Ray3. Stay tuned for our detailed comparison.
Play It Safe
As with any hyped app release, scammers are exploiting eager users. Just because an app appears in the App Store or Google Play doesn’t mean it’s safe. Always verify the publisher before downloading.
Disclosure: Mashable’s parent company, Ziff Davis, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in April alleging the company infringed Ziff Davis copyrights while training and operating its AI systems.
