Did Apple Just Unlock a Crypto Revolution on iPhones?

Apple’s App Store monopoly cracks open—and crypto apps are rushing in. A landmark court ruling has forced Apple to drop its infamous 30% commission on off-app purchases, freeing crypto developers to bypass Apple’s payment systems entirely. Is this the breakthrough the crypto industry needed to reach mainstream iPhone users? Let’s dive in.

🚨 The Problem: Apple’s ‘Walled Garden’ Stifled Crypto Innovation

• 30% Tax on Transactions: Apple previously required apps to use its payment system, taking up to 30% of every in-app purchase—a deal-breaker for crypto projects with thin margins.
• No External Links: Developers couldn’t direct users to external websites or NFT marketplaces without risking app removal.
• Selective Enforcement: Apple allegedly blocked certain categories of apps (like crypto games) from even attempting alternative payment methods.
• Epic’s 2021 Win Ignored: Despite a court injunction against anticompetitive practices, Apple continued restricting developers until this April 30 ruling.

✅ The Solution: Court Forces Apple to Open the Floodgates

Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers’ ruling demands immediate changes:

• ✅ Zero Commissions on Off-App Purchases: Crypto apps can now link directly to external payment systems without Apple taking a cut.
• ✅ No More Audits: Apple can’t track or regulate transactions happening outside its ecosystem.
• ✅ NFTs Get a Boost: Apps can freely link to NFT collections hosted on third-party platforms like OpenSea.
• ✅ Epic’s Fortnite Returns: Tim Sweeney announced Fortnite’s comeback to iOS, signaling a potential truce—if Apple extends these rules globally.

As crypto commentator Xero declared: “This is hugely bullish for mobile crypto games!”

⚠️ Challenges: Apple’s Passive Aggressive Pushback

• 🚧 Vague Guidelines: Appfigures CEO Ariel Michaeli notes Apple’s updated rules use “confusing” language that might deter developers.
• 🚧 Global Uncertainty: The current ruling applies to U.S. apps—Epic wants it extended worldwide to settle litigation.
• 🚧 Apple’s Next Move: Will Apple appeal or find new ways to control app monetization? The company has a history of resisting regulatory changes.

🚀 Final Thoughts: A New Era for Crypto Apps?

This ruling could be transformative if:

• 📈 Developers Seize the Opportunity: Crypto games, NFT platforms, and DeFi apps can now integrate frictionless payment flows.
• 📉 Apple Complies Fully: Judge Rogers warned Apple against further “willful violations,” threatening stricter penalties.
• 🚀 User Adoption Follows: If crypto apps leverage this freedom to create smoother iOS experiences, mainstream adoption could accelerate.

What do you think? Will this ruling finally let crypto apps thrive on iPhones—or will Apple find loopholes to maintain control?

Let us know on X (Former Twitter)

Sources: Cointelegraph. Apple softens crypto-related app rules, 'hugely bullish' for crypto industry, May 2024. https://cointelegraph.com/news/apple-app-store-epic-games-restrictions-ease-court-ruling-united-states