Apple’s choice to allow external iOS apps might benefit crypto and NFTs

A recent rumour suggests that Apple intends to allow iPhone and iPad users to install software from outside the App Store owing to EU rules.

Apple’s “walled garden” ecosystem design has allowed them to grab a 30 percent share of iOS software and service revenues, much to the chagrin of customers and developers. A fresh rumour indicates that Apple intends to open up its ecosystem, a move that might be advantageous for applications developed around NFTs and increase the capacity to conduct mobile crypto payments.

Bloomberg claims that Apple intends to permit the installation of software from external sources other than its own App Store on iPhones and iPads, according to persons with knowledge of the plans. The modifications are in reaction to the Digital Markets Act of the European Union, which compels IT businesses to comply with all requirements by 2024.

In order to comply with the new rule, the report indicates that the distribution of support for external applications from third-party sources and marketplaces would first commence solely in Europe. However, the capability might be extended to other countries if those nations enact comparable rules.

According to reports, Apple intends to introduce the feature in its iOS 17 software update, which is anticipated to be released in the autumn of 2019 based on the regular yearly release timetable.

Bloomberg reports that the firm is still debating whether to enable third-party applications to utilise their own payments infrastructure, rather than requiring developers to use Apple’s own payments system. If adopted, this change might make it much simpler to spend crypto using iPhone and iPad applications.

The rumoured changes are the result of a rising backlash against Apple’s closed environment, which not only philosophically conflicts with Web3’s decentralized ethos but has actually resulted in limits on how applications may use NFT assets. Apple modified its developer rules in October to indicate that NFTs cannot be used to restrict access to app features or content.

NFT purchases are also subject to Apple’s 30% charge, which may be tough to impose at least on secondary market transactions. The iOS applications for markets like as OpenSea and Magic Eden only enable users to see non-fungible tokens, not purchase or trade them.

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