#AppleCryptoUpdate

Apple has recently made significant changes to its App Store policies, impacting the crypto industry. Here's what's new ¹ ² ³:

- *Relaxed Restrictions*: Apple can no longer block developers from linking to external payment options, including crypto-based transactions, within their apps. This move follows a US district judge's ruling that Apple violated an antitrust injunction.

- *New Guidelines*: Developers can now link to external NFT collections, direct users to crypto-based payment systems, and operate outside Apple's in-app purchase ecosystem without special entitlements. Apple's updated guidelines allow for more flexibility, although some have noted the tone seems "passive-aggressive".

- *Industry Impact*: This shift is seen as "hugely bullish" for mobile crypto games and apps, enabling new opportunities for blockchain-based transactions and NFT integration. Developers can now explore alternative payment systems, potentially increasing adoption and innovation in the crypto space.

Some notable implications include ¹:

- *Increased Freedom for Developers*: With the ability to link to external payment options, developers can now design and implement their own payment systems, reducing reliance on Apple's in-app purchase model.

- *Potential for More Blockchain Apps*: The relaxed restrictions could lead to a surge in new blockchain-based apps on iOS, as developers take advantage of the increased flexibility.

- *Epic Games' Return*: Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has expressed interest in relaunching Fortnite on the US Apple App Store, contingent on Apple extending the "friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework" globally.