Apple has taken a significant step toward opening its app ecosystem by easing restrictions on iOS apps. Developers are now permitted to direct users to external purchasing platforms, including those used for NFTs and other crypto-related content. This change comes in response to increasing antitrust pressure urging Apple to loosen its control over in-app payments and allow greater competition.
This policy shift could mark a turning point for the broader adoption of Web3 technologies. By allowing external payment links, Apple is effectively reducing one of the major barriers that limited the integration of blockchain-based features within mobile apps. NFT marketplaces, decentralized finance platforms, crypto gaming apps, and wallet providers stand to benefit the most, as they can now offer smoother onboarding experiences and direct monetization strategies without being constrained by Apple's previous rules.
The real question now is: will this change encourage mainstream developers to explore more ambitious Web3 use cases? And how might this reshape the mobile user experience as crypto-powered tools become more accessible within the Apple ecosystem?
Let’s see how the industry responds. What types of decentralized experiences do you think will thrive under this new policy landscape?