Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has reportedly updated its App Store guidelines, loosening restrictions on iOS apps that facilitate crypto and NFT transactions.
This change comes in response to a U.S. District Court ruling in the ongoing antitrust case brought by Epic Games, marking a pivotal moment for digital asset integration on Apple’s platform.
The updated policies reflect a broader trend in the tech industry toward embracing DLT / blockchain technologies, though some limitations remain.
The court ruling, delivered by District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, found Apple in violation of a 2021 injunction that prohibited the company from restricting developers’ ability to direct users to external payment methods.
As a result, Apple has amended its U.S. App Store guidelines to allow developers to include links or buttons guiding users to secondary NFT marketplaces and third-party payment systems.
This means apps can now facilitate NFT purchases outside Apple’s in-app purchase system, bypassing the company’s 30% commission fee, often referred to as the “Apple Tax.”
Previously, apps like OpenSea could only offer browsing functionality on iOS, with purchasing capabilities disabled to avoid these fees.
Now, developers have greater flexibility to create seamless transaction experiences, potentially boosting user engagement and monetization.
The updated guidelines also permit in-app NFT transactions, such as minting, listing, and transferring, through external payment methods.
This is a departure from Apple’s earlier stance, which required all NFT-related purchases to go through its payment system.
The change aligns with a demand for blockchain-based applications / dApps, as the NFT market is projected to reach $231 billion by 2030.
Industry professionals view this as a step toward supporting innovation, enabling developers to craft mobile apps that fully interact with digital assets.
For instance, marketplaces like Magic Eden, which have used embedded browsers to circumvent Apple’s restrictions, may now offer more streamlined purchasing options.
However, Apple’s revisions come with certain caveats.
The company maintains strict rules prohibiting certain crypto-related activities, such as apps that mine cryptocurrencies on devices or distribute token rewards for completing tasks.
Additionally, while the U.S. App Store now allows external payment links, Apple’s global guidelines remain more restrictive, prohibiting such links outside the U.S.
This discrepancy highlights Apple’s cautious approach to fully embracing blockchain technologies worldwide, which is likely driven by varying regional regulations.
The crypto and NFT communities have largely welcomed the changes, seeing them as a victory for web3 and blockchain developer freedom.
Posts on social media reflect excitement for the most part, with users noting that the ruling “cracks open” Apple’s control over the App Store.
However, Apple has expressed dissatisfaction with the court’s decision and plans to appeal.
This policy shift follows similar moves by competitors like Google, which relaxed NFT restrictions in 2023.
As the legal landscape continues to evolve in a fast-growing digital economy, Apple’s updated guidelines signal a cautious yet meaningful step toward integrating blockchain technologies, potentially reshaping the mobile app ecosystem for digital assets.