#AppleCryptoUpdate
Apple has recently updated its App Store guidelines to accommodate crypto-related apps, following a US district judge's ruling that Apple violated an antitrust injunction in its battle with Epic Games. The changes allow developers to:
- *Direct Users to External Payments*: Link to external payment options, including crypto-based payment systems, without restrictions or hefty fees.
- *NFT Collections*: Include links to external NFT collections, enabling users to purchase or interact with NFTs outside the app.
- *No Commission or Fees*: Apple won't impose commissions or fees on purchases made outside the app.
This shift is seen as "hugely bullish" for the crypto industry, particularly for mobile crypto games and apps. Developers can now design apps without being forced into Apple's in-app purchase ecosystem. Some notable implications include:
- *Increased Adoption*: More blockchain-based apps and games may emerge on iOS, driving Web3 adoption.
- *New Opportunities*: Developers can create mobile-first NFT apps, play-to-earn games, and decentralized wallet platforms.
- *Epic Games' Return*: Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has announced plans to relaunch Fortnite on the US Apple App Store.
These changes are effective immediately, and Apple must comply with the court's order. The update has sparked varied reactions, with some developers celebrating the new freedom and others noting Apple's "passive-aggressive language" in the updated guidelines.