Apple has adjusted its App Store policy, easing restrictions on cryptocurrency apps following a judge’s ruling in a case with Epic Games. Analysts believe this change could significantly boost Bitcoin adoption. The news comes as Bitcoin approaches $100,000 again, with developers predicting a market boom thanks to reduced fees and greater flexibility in app functionalities.
In a significant move, Apple has quietly confirmed a change in its App Store policy regarding cryptocurrency, which experts say could be a game-changer for the crypto market. Recently, Bitcoin prices have seen substantial fluctuations, soaring back towards $100,000 after dipping to $75,000 earlier this year, edging closer to its previous high of nearly $110,000. This price surge comes amid heightened volatility as investors assess the ongoing influence of U.S. political dynamics on global markets.
The revisions to Apple’s policy follow a judge’s ruling in a prolonged dispute between Apple and Epic Games, the creators of Fortnite. This ruling prohibits Apple from enforcing certain fees on purchases made outside its iOS apps, commonly referred to as the “Apple tax.” Analysts predict this change could unleash widespread adoption of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, potentially revolutionising how developers interact with users.
Phil Kwok, co-founder of the crypto education app EasyA, voiced his approval on X, describing the ruling as a pathway for greater blockchain adoption. He noted that many developers, including his team, faced compliance issues merely for mentioning crypto on their platforms. The shift in Apple’s policy could help ease these restrictions and foster innovation in the crypto space.
Following the court decision, Apple promptly notified iOS developers that they could now include external links or buttons in their apps to guide users towards browsing cryptocurrency and non-fungible token (NFT) collections externally. The company indicated its intention to appeal the decision, but for now, the changes are in place solely within the U.S. App Store.
Crypto developers appear optimistic about the potential implications of these updates. Wojciech Kulikowski, a software engineer at Farcaster, mentioned this could trigger a “generational golden consumer crypto bull run.” He expressed that more freedom in development could lead to a surge of interesting applications that were previously obstructed on iOS.
Additionally, developers are excited by the prospect of integrating crypto payments directly into their apps, bypassing the hefty 30% fee generally charged by Apple’s in-app purchases. This could allow users to transact more efficiently, spending their cryptocurrencies without incurring additional costs. As the market shifts and evolves, stakeholders are watching keenly to see how this will influence Bitcoin and the broader crypto landscape in the weeks and months ahead.
