Apple Allows Crypto App Payments on External Sites After Court Order
Summary
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Apple Policy Shift: Following a court order favoring Epic Games, Apple has updated its App Store rules to permit developers of crypto-related apps to guide users to external websites for making transactions.
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End of 30% Commission on External Crypto Payments: This change effectively bypasses Apple’s previous requirement for a 30% commission on such transactions conducted through external links, removing a major hurdle for crypto and NFT app developers.
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Potential Boost for Crypto Apps & Adoption: The crypto community views this policy adjustment positively, anticipating it will encourage more development of DApps and NFT functionalities on iOS, potentially increasing user adoption and flexibility, especially for mobile crypto games.
Apple Revises App Store Policy to Allow External Crypto Payments Following Court Mandate
In a notable policy modification, Apple has updated its App Store guidelines, now enabling developers of cryptocurrency-related applications to direct users to external platforms to complete transactions.
This significant shift stems from a legal directive and presents new possibilities for decentralized applications (DApps) and NFT functionalities within the iOS environment, potentially broadening the user base and driving adoption.
Background: Court Ruling Prompts Policy Change
Apple’s adjustment permitting crypto transactions outside its native App Store ecosystem is a direct consequence of a court ruling in California favoring Epic Games.
This judicial order compelled Apple to remove its existing restrictions preventing developers from linking to external payment mechanisms for cryptocurrency transactions.
The decision effectively marks a departure from Apple’s long-standing policy of requiring in-app purchases subject to a 30% commission, a move considered impactful within the digital asset space.
Implications for Developers and Crypto Adoption
By opening up alternative transaction pathways, developers now have greater latitude.
They can integrate crypto purchasing options either directly into their iOS applications or through links guiding users to external sites, offering enhanced flexibility.
This change is expected to potentially stimulate increased development of crypto-focused applications for the iOS platform, assuming developers adhere to relevant compliance standards, such as Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures.
The easier access to DApps and NFT purchases via iOS devices could significantly expand the potential user pool.
Positive Reception from the Crypto Community
The crypto industry has largely welcomed this development.
Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games, indicated that if Apple were to implement this “friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework” globally, Epic would reconsider bringing Fortnite back to the App Store worldwide and potentially cease further legal action.
Similarly, Ariel Michaeli from Appfigures noted the expanded freedom for apps that need to connect with external NFT platforms, specifically citing the benefits for mobile games incorporating crypto elements.
Previously, the mandatory 30% “Apple tax” on all in-app purchases presented a substantial barrier for many cryptocurrency and NFT applications, limiting their payment functionalities until this recent policy shift.
Ethereum Market Snapshot
As of May 4, 2025, Ethereum (ETH) was trading at approximately $1,834.61.
According to CoinMarketCap data, this gives it a market capitalization of roughly $221.50 billion and represents a market share of 7.46%. The 24-hour trading volume stood at approximately $9.07 billion.
While ETH recorded a slight price increase of 0.67% over the preceding 24 hours, it has experienced a significant decrease of 29.18% over the last 90 days.
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