Apple Loosens NFT and Crypto Rules on iOS After Court Ruling

Apple has relaxed its iOS app guidelines, allowing developers to offer external payment methods and sell NFTs in response to a recent court ruling. Despite these changes, some restrictions remain, particularly concerning cryptocurrency-related functionalities. This shift may pave the way for more innovation in mobile crypto apps, even as the competition increases between Apple and its rivals.

In a significant move this week, Apple has shifted gears regarding its iOS app developer guidelines, all thanks to a court ruling that has echoed through the tech industry. Following an antitrust judgment stating that Apple had “willfully” violated a previous injunction, the company is now allowing developers to offer external payment methods and sell NFTs from secondary markets—an area they had previously tread gingerly around.

The changes come after a federal court put its foot down, prohibiting Apple from charging its hefty 27% fees on purchases made outside iOS apps. Now, developers can steer users toward third-party payments and digital collectibles without restrictions. An internal email from Apple, seen by Decrypt, stated that apps on the U.S. storefront can now include links or buttons for users to explore NFT collections owned by others. This is a big deal for developers who have felt the weight of Apple’s restrictions.

Yet, it’s not an all-free-for-all situation. While apps can point users to outside purchasing options, in-app purchases for items like game boosts are still bound by Apple’s rules. Wojciech Kulikowski, a software engineer at Farcaster, suggested that these relaxed restrictions might spark a “generational golden consumer crypto bull run.” He noted the potential for mobile apps to experiment with crypto functionalities that had previously been stifled by Apple’s tight grip.

Right now, platforms such as OpenSea have limited capabilities on iOS, mainly allowing for users to browse NFT collections but not make purchases. Other firms, like Magic Eden, have managed to create digital wallets within their apps, letting users buy through embedded browsers—evoking the self-custodial wallet experience of services like MetaMask and Coinbase.

Meanwhile, Apple’s restrictions remain stringent when it comes to cryptocurrency’s darker underbelly. Features like task-based currency earnings, initial coin offerings (ICOs), and utilizing user devices for mining remain off-limits for crypto apps. It’s worth noting that Apple’s rivals are adapting as well—Google updated its Play Store policies recently to permit NFTs to unlock in-app content regardless of where they originated. They even require developers to disclose if their experiences are blockchain-driven.

As for Apple’s reaction, there’s been silence. A request for comment from Decrypt went unanswered, leaving many wondering just how extensive these changes might be in the long run.

In essence, Apple is changing its tune on NFT and crypto regulations in the wake of an antitrust ruling, granting developers more freedom in directing users to external purchasing options. While the update opens new doors for the crypto market on iOS, notable restrictions remain. The impact of these alterations—specifically the potential exploration of crypto-native apps—could be substantial, indicating a shift in Apple’s long-held stance against blockchain technology. With the competitive landscape evolving, it’ll be intriguing to see how Apple and its rivals continue to adapt to this fast-paced digital economy.

Original Source: decrypt.co