Apple's easing of its restrictions on third-party payment methods — including those related to NFTs and cryptocurrency — could indeed create a favorable environment for the broader adoption of consumer Web3 applications on iOS. This is particularly important given the significant influence of the Apple ecosystem on the mobile market.
Here are the types of interactions with Web3 that are likely to benefit from this shift:
1. NFT and Digital Collectible Marketplaces
Users will be able to purchase NFTs directly through external payment gateways without the need for workarounds or web applications, reducing friction and increasing conversion.
2. Blockchain Games (play-to-earn)
Gaming applications with in-game tokens or NFT assets can now offer external purchases without the 30% Apple commission, making the business model more viable.
3. Wallets and DeFi Applications
The ability to direct users to third-party platforms for purchasing tokens, exchanging, or staking will simplify onboarding and enhance usability.
4. Creative Platforms (fan economy)
Applications for authors and artists offering tokenized forms of access (e.g., NFT tickets, subscriptions) will gain the ability to provide more flexible and less costly monetization models.
5. Social Networks with Web3 Elements
Platforms that integrate tokenized reputation, content ownership, or decentralized identity will be able to safely and conveniently direct users to external platforms.
This step does not necessarily mean complete freedom of action — Apple is likely to continue requiring transparency and certain security standards. But the mere allowance of 'external payment paths' opens an important door.