A U.S. court has issued a ruling requiring Apple to remove restrictions that prevent app developers from directing users to external payment options, including cryptocurrency payments. This ruling comes after a long legal dispute between Apple and Epic Games, the developer of the popular game Fortnite, regarding Apple's practices in the App Store.
*Key Changes*
- *Allowing External Payments*: Developers can now include external payment links in their apps, allowing users to make transactions without having to use Apple's internal payment system.
- *Elimination of Additional Fees*: Apple will not be able to impose additional fees on external transactions, including those using digital currencies such as Ethereum (ETH), USD Coin (USDC), and Solana (SOL).
- *Support for NFTs*: Developers can now create apps that support NFTs, including buying and selling NFTs within the app.
*Industry Implications*
- *Increased Flexibility for Developers*: The ruling allows developers more freedom in designing their apps and choosing payment methods that suit their needs.
- *New Opportunities for Digital Currencies*: This ruling could lead to increased use of digital currencies in apps, potentially boosting their adoption and trading.
- *Ongoing Challenges*: Users still need to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures to purchase tokens, which may add additional complexity to the payment process.
