In a landmark shift that sends ripples through the tech and crypto worlds, Apple has substantially relaxed its App Store rules regarding cryptocurrency applications. This policy reversal follows a federal judge’s order requiring Apple to drop restrictions that prevented developers from directing users to external payment options, including crypto transactions.
The court found that Apple had deliberately slowed user shift to alternative payment methods, effectively hampering crypto adoption. After years of what the ruling described as “anti-competitive behavior,” developers now have newfound freedom to inform users about non-Apple payment options, including decentralized finance solutions.
Perhaps the biggest change is the end of the infamous “Apple Tax” – the 30% commission Apple previously charged on in-app purchases. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers specifically highlighted Apple’s revenue-focused actions as problematic in her ruling. For crypto developers, this financial barrier had been like trying to run a marathon in snow boots; technically possible but unnecessarily difficult. Smaller crypto projects stand to benefit greatly from these cost savings.
Breaking free from the 30% Apple Tax gives crypto innovators the financial oxygen they’ve desperately needed.
The policy shift enables apps to accept payments in major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. More importantly, Apple Pay can now integrate with crypto networks, allowing users to pay with digital assets while merchants receive stablecoins. NFT transactions are no longer blocked, supporting external marketplaces and improving the mobile experience for digital collectibles. Users can now browse NFT collections more easily in non-US storefronts where regulations are more clearly defined. Users will still need to implement strong security measures to protect their crypto assets when using these newly available features.
Not everything is a crypto free-for-all, though. Apple maintains strict policies against token rewards for tasks, initial coin offerings, and device-based mining. All crypto functionalities must still pass legal, security, and compliance checks within the App Store’s review guidelines.
The impact on the industry could be substantial. With over 274 million WalletConnect sessions already signaling growing mobile crypto activity, the loosened restrictions are expected to accelerate product launches and mainstream adoption on iOS. For crypto enthusiasts, this represents a significant step toward bringing digital assets into everyday mobile experiences, potentially expanding the market to millions of iPhone users worldwide.
