On April 30, 2025, a U.S. federal court issued a ruling requiring Apple to ease its restrictions on apps related to cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the App Store, after the company was found to have willfully violated a previous court order in an antitrust case with Epic Games.
Key changes in Apple's policy:
Allowing external links: Developers can now include links or buttons within their apps that direct users to external sites for purchases, including buying cryptocurrencies and NFTs, without needing to use Apple’s in-app payment system.
Elimination of commissions on external purchases: Apple no longer charges a commission (known as the "Apple tax," which was up to 30%) on purchases made outside the app.
Improving user experience: These changes enable users to make purchases for cryptocurrencies and NFTs directly through apps, enhancing the user experience and reducing the need to use web browsers to complete transactions.
Impact on the cryptocurrency community:
This change is seen as a significant positive step for developers of cryptocurrency and NFT-related applications, as it opens the door for further innovation and provides new opportunities to offer digital services and products within iOS apps without the previous restrictions.
Despite these changes, some restrictions remain in place, such as the ban on cryptocurrency mining within apps or offering token rewards for in-app activity.
In general, these changes are seen as a significant boost to the adoption of Web3 technologies on iPhone and iPad devices, paving the way for further integration between decentralized applications and cryptocurrency platforms within the iOS ecosystem.