$BTC Apple has announced a significant update to its iPhone Wallet app, enabling third-party developers to access the device's NFC chip for payment processing. This change allows users to set alternative payment apps as defaults, potentially facilitating transactions using cryptocurrencies like USDC. While Apple itself isn't directly integrating crypto payments, this move opens the door for developers to create crypto-compatible payment solutions on iPhones. CEO Tim Cook has expressed personal interest in cryptocurrencies but confirmed that Apple has no immediate plans to launch its own cryptocurrency or accept crypto as payment.