Apple Enables External Payments for NFTs in US App Store

Apple now permits external payments for NFTs in its US App Store, influencing crypto interactions on iOS.

The update reduces App Store fees and restrictions, fostering innovation in mobile blockchain apps and broadens payment methods, impacting both developers and consumers significantly.

Apple Updates Guidelines for External Payments

Apple has modified its App Store guidelines in the United States. This update permits external payment methods and third-party NFT operations, a decision influenced by a legal bout with Epic Games.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney proposed peace with Apple, while major Web3 figures labeled the change as transformative for mobile crypto applications. Ariel Michaeli of Appfigures acknowledged the policy shift positively.

“If Apple extends the court’s friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework worldwide, we’ll return Fortnite globally and drop future litigation,” noted Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games.

Impact on Developers and Crypto Apps

Immediate benefits include the elimination of Apple’s obligatory payment routes for developers. This adjustment is expected to lower costs and enhance profitability for app creators focusing on NFTs and decentralized finances.

Financial implications of these changes are profound, particularly for the mobile blockchain sector. Developers can now operate without Apple’s 30% tax, leading to more competitive pricing models and innovation in crypto apps.

Broader Implications

The new guidelines allow apps in the US storefront to incorporate external links and payment systems without Apple’s prior entitlement restrictions. This marks a significant victory for developers focusing on blockchain and NFT technologies.

Regulatory and technological impacts arise from this decision, signifying a shift towards more open digital transaction frameworks. Experts predict broader acceptance of crypto transactions on iOS, possibly influencing future global tech industry trends.