A Fresh Spin on Apple's iOS Update: A Boost for Crypto and NFTs
Apple relaxed restrictions on NFT and cryptocurrency integrations within iOS apps post antitrust decision.
Hey there, quick rundown! Apple has shaken things up with new rules for its iOS app developers, inspired by recent court rulings. Here's what you need to know:
- Apple has given developers the green light to direct users towards alternative payment methods, and even enable NFT purchases from secondary marketplaces within U.S. apps.
- While some restrictions related to cryptocurrencies remain for iPhone and iPad apps, this move is good news for the crypto industry.
Let's dive deeper into this transformative shift, dubbed the "Epic Games effect" on the crypto scene, courtesy of Fortnite maker Epic Games' high-profile antitrust case against Apple.
Apple has eased the reins on its previously stringent guidelines for the U.S. App Store. A federal court ordered Apple not to levy fees or limit developers' ability to direct users to third-party websites after finding Apple in violation of a court injunction from 2021.
In an email to developers, Apple clarified that apps on the U.S. storefront would no longer be banned from showcasing buttons, external links, or other calls-to-action that invite users to explore NFT collections managed by others. Furthermore, developers are now free to encourage users to opt for purchasing methods beyond in-app purchases on the U.S. storefront.
While this update doesn't impact in-app features such as premium content or in-game boosts, it could pave the way for a groundbreaking "generational golden consumer crypto bull run," according to Wojciech Kulikowski, a software engineer at Farcaster. This newfound flexibility might boost the experimentation of crypto-native mobile apps that were previously quashed by Apple's App Store.
For example, NFT marketplaces such as OpenSea have been limited in functionality due to Apple's rules, which prevent users from making purchases within the app. However, companies like Magic Eden have taken a workaround by developing digital wallets armed with a browser feature, enabling in-app purchases via an external browser.
Although Apple's restrictions on cryptocurrencies in the App Store remain strict, Google has already loosened the rules on Google Play Store in 2023. Developers are now allowed to use NFTs to unlock in-app content, regardless of where the NFT was originally purchased. In addition, game developers must disclose if their experiences are blockchain-based, echoing Epic Games' platform.
So, academics and gamers rejoice! With newfound flexibility, the iOS App Store might finally take a step closer to becoming a haven for NFT enthusiasts and crypto adopters alike. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates on this game-changing development.
Edited by Andrew Hayward
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- The latest iOS update by Apple has given developers the freedom to guide users towards alternative payment methods, including initial coin offerings (ICO) and NFT purchases from secondary marketplaces within U.S. apps.
- This move is seen as good news for the crypto industry, with some restrictions on cryptocurrencies remaining for iPhone and iPad apps.
- The transformation in Apple's guidelines, often referred to as the "Epic Games effect," could pave the way for a significant "generational golden consumer crypto bull run," as suggested by Wojciech Kulikowski, a software engineer at Farcaster.
- NFT marketplaces, such as OpenSea, have been limited in functionality due to Apple's previous rules, but companies like Magic Eden have found workarounds, like building digital wallets with browser features enabling in-app purchases via an external browser.
- While Apple continues to maintain strict rules regarding cryptocurrencies in the App Store, Google has already loosened its rules on the Google Play Store in 2023, allowing developers to use NFTs to unlock in-app content regardless of where the NFT was originally purchased.
- The new iOS update also enables developers to showcase buttons, external links, or other calls-to-action inviting users to explore NFT collections managed by others.
- This flexibility might boost the experimentation of crypto-native mobile apps that were previously stifled by Apple's App Store, potentially making the iOS App Store a haven for NFT enthusiasts and crypto adopters.
- If you're interested in staying updated on crypto and NFT news, consider subscribing to our Daily Debrief Newsletter for regular insights and announcements.
- It's essential to keep a close eye on developments in this sector, as technologies like blockchain, Ethereum, and the use of digital assets and tokens continue to reshape various industries in 2023 and beyond.
