Apple ruled to have intentionally violated the law! iOS apps in the U.S. can freely direct sales without a 27% commission; will cryptocurrency mobile applications explode?

A U.S. court has ruled that Apple violated an injunction, forcing Apple to loosen its App Store policies, allowing U.S. developers to direct users to external payments, which brings new opportunities for consumer-facing cryptocurrency applications. (Background: The Block and Morph report highlights: Catalysts for consumer-grade cryptocurrency ecosystems, building decentralized applications for everyday users) (Supplementary background: Overview of 10 potential cryptocurrency applications in the Base ecosystem: restaurant points, travel recommendations, fitness..) An important ruling from a U.S. court is impacting tech giant Apple, forcing it to make significant concessions regarding its strict iOS App Store policies. This change primarily affects applications in the U.S. region, allowing apps to direct to external payment methods and offering new possibilities for developers and users of NFT and cryptocurrency-related applications. The lawsuit from Epic Games against Apple's 'intentional' defiance The direct cause of this policy adjustment stems from the long-standing antitrust legal battle between Epic Games (the well-known developer of Fortnite) and Apple. On April 30, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple 'intentionally' violated the court injunction issued in 2021 regarding this case. The injunction required Apple to allow developers to direct users to external websites for purchases within apps and not to charge fees for such transactions. However, in 2024, Apple implemented a new policy that charged a 27% fee on purchases completed through external links. The court deemed this practice a violation of the prior injunction and considered it anti-competitive behavior. The court thus ordered Apple to immediately stop charging commissions on external purchases and not to impose any restrictions that hinder developers from directing users to external payment methods. External payment channels officially unblocked In response to the court's ruling, Apple quickly updated its iOS App Store review guidelines and has informed iOS developers that, effective immediately, applications in the U.S. App Store will no longer restrict developers from adding buttons, external links, or other calls to action when showcasing NFTs owned by others. Apple also stated that the relevant injunction regarding directing users to payment methods outside of in-app purchases no longer applies in the U.S. region. This means that developers can now set links or buttons directing to external payment pages within their applications without having to pay Apple a 27% fee. This change significantly reduces the operational costs for related applications, allowing many large iOS apps to launch promotional offers for U.S. users. This just in: In a victory for consumers, artists, creators, and authors, Apple has approved Spotify’s U.S. app update. After nearly a decade, this will finally allow us to freely show clear pricing information and links to purchase, fostering transparency and choice for U.S.… https://t.co/dWhXLLLcpr — Spotify News (@SpotifyNews) May 2, 2025 Positive developments for consumer-grade cryptocurrency applications The loosening of Apple's policies brings substantial benefits to developers in the cryptocurrency and NFT industries. Farcaster software engineer Wojciech Kulikowski noted that this move could trigger a 'generation-level consumer crypto bull market' and open up more experimental space, allowing previously blocked native cryptocurrency mobile applications to re-enter the stage. Challenges remain Despite the policy loosening, Apple still maintains restrictions on certain cryptocurrency-related activities, such as apps being prohibited from cryptocurrency mining, launching initial coin offerings (ICOs), or rewarding users with tokens for completing tasks. At the same time, Apple plans to appeal the court ruling, which casts uncertainty on future developments, requiring developers to pay attention to potential legal changes while adapting to the new policy. Furthermore, this ruling currently only applies to the U.S. region, and applications in overseas markets must still comply with Apple's original payment rules. Related reports Apple and Meta fined €700 million for violating the EU's 'Digital Markets Act'; is cryptocurrency payment in the App Store not far off? Apple removes 14 'unregistered overseas exchanges' in South Korea, including KuCoin and MEXC, with unlicensed operations facing up to five years in prison Apple breathes a sigh of relief! Trump announces: Electronic products like phones and computers are granted tariff exemptions; will iPhones not increase in price? "Apple ruled to have intentionally violated the law! iOS apps in the U.S. can freely direct sales without a 27% commission; will cryptocurrency mobile applications explode?" This article was first published in BlockTempo (the most influential blockchain news media).