In a seismic shift for the digital economy, Apple has been forced to overhaul its payment policies for iOS apps following a federal court ruling that found the tech giant in willful violation of a 2021 antitrust injunction. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers criticized Apple’s anti-competitive payment controls and demanded immediate compliance with the order that originated from the Epic Games case.
The ruling requires Apple to allow iOS apps on the U.S. App Store to include external payment links, effectively ending the infamous “Apple tax” – the company’s 30% commission on in-app purchases. This change particularly benefits crypto and NFT applications, as developers can now integrate direct cryptocurrency payment options within their apps. The court order specifically prevents Apple from imposing new obstacles for off-app payments involving digital assets like Ethereum, USD Coin, and Solana.
Think of it as Apple’s walled garden suddenly sprouting a few convenient gates. Where users once had to jump through Apple-shaped hoops to make purchases, they can now stroll directly to their preferred payment processor – blockchain-based or otherwise.
Apple’s fortress now has doorways, allowing users to escape the ecosystem and choose their payment path freely
For crypto enthusiasts, this represents more than just convenience; it’s validation. Developers can now implement features that activate based on token ownership or facilitate direct NFT purchases without forcing users into browser-based detours. This development could significantly increase the adoption of smart contracts that enable peer-to-peer transactions without intermediaries. The change eliminates the middleman (and his hefty commission) from the equation. Apple has also specifically permitted users to browse NFT collections within iOS apps, further simplifying the crypto user experience.
Industry insiders describe the ruling as “hugely bullish” for Web3 and cryptocurrency adoption. By removing barriers to crypto-based transactions in one of the world’s largest digital marketplaces, the court has potentially accelerated mainstream acceptance of digital assets.
Consumers stand to benefit from expanded payment choices and potentially lower prices as developers shed Apple’s commission fees. While KYC compliance requirements remain for token purchases, the overall user experience should become smoother and more integrated.
The immediate effect may seem subtle to average users – a new payment link here, an NFT purchase option there – but the long-term implications could reshape how digital economies function on mobile platforms, potentially spurring innovation in blockchain-based business models across iOS applications.
