Apple has updated its App Store Guidelines to allow iOS developers in the U.S. to direct users to external purchasing methods for NFTs and crypto content—a major shift from its previous 27% in-app fee model and closed ecosystem .This change stems from Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers’ Epic v. Apple ruling and expands potential for mainstream Web3 apps on iOS
What Changed and Why
External Links Allowed: Developers can now include buttons, links, or calls-to-action that lead users to third-party payment pages, bypassing Apple’s in-app purchase system and its 27% commission
NFT & Crypto Support: iOS apps can facilitate NFT purchases and cryptocurrency payments via external methods, broadening the scope for digital-asset applications
Antitrust Pressure: This policy update follows Epic Games’ lawsuit, where a federal court found Apple willfully violated a 2021 injunction, forcing it to open up its payment rules under threat of criminal contempt
Implications for Crypto-Powered Apps
Mainstream Consumer Adoption
Lower Costs: Removing Apple’s 27% fee makes crypto apps more price-competitive, encouraging developers to integrate seamless on-chain payments
User Experience: Direct external checkout flows can reduce friction for NFT marketplaces and DeFi wallets, improving retention and conversion
Developer Innovation
New Business Models: Subscription-based NFT services, token-gated content, and in-app staking features can flourish without Apple’s commission drag.
Cross-Platform Parity: iOS apps can adopt the same payment mechanisms as Android, unifying the user experience across mobile platforms
Web3 Experiences Set to Explode
On-Chain Gaming & Metaverse Apps
Instant NFT minting and marketplace access for in-game assets, leveraging external wallets and payment rails.
DeFi Wallets & DEX Interfaces
Direct swap and staking interfaces without redirecting users to web browsers, boosting on-chain activity.
Tokenized Subscriptions & Content
Web3 media platforms can offer token-based paywalls, rewarding community engagement via exclusive NFT drops.
Real-World Asset Tokenization
Apps facilitating fractional ownership of real estate, art, or commodities can integrate seamless fiat-to-crypto rails.
