NFTs and External Payments Now Allowed on iOS: What's Changed for App Devs
Apple modifies guidelines for NFT and crypto apps on iOS in response to antitrust judgment
In a major shift, Apple has loosened its iOS app developer guidelines, thanks to the Epic Games' antitrust case ruling this week. Here's what's changed:
- NFTs and External Links: Apps can now incorporate buttons, links, or other prompts for users to browse NFT collections owned by others. This update is highlighted in the revised section 3.1.1, applicable to the U.S. storefront [5].
- Crypto-based Payments: There's no longer a ban on apps including crypto-payment buttons or links, allowing developers to direct users to external payment systems freely [4][5].
- Simplified Entitlement Requirements: The External Link Account entitlement is no longer necessary for apps on the U.S. storefront. This makes it simpler for developers to integrate external payment methods and NFT functionality into their apps [5].
- No In-App Purchase Promotion: The updated guidelines state that the rule restricting app developers from encouraging users to use purchasing methods other than in-app purchase doesn't apply to apps on the U.S. storefront. This means developers can promote external payment options without relying on Apple's payment system [4][5].
With these changes, iOS apps are likely to witness enhanced experimentation and adoption of crypto-native mobile apps that were previously hindered [1][4].
Such adjustments in guidelines could pull the trigger on a "generational golden consumer crypto bull run" according to Wojciech Kulikowski, a software engineer at Farcaster. These alterations can potentially unlock new horizons for blockchain-based applications on iOS [1][4].
Although restrictions on cryptocurrencies, such as prohibiting currency for completing tasks, facilitating initial coin offerings (ICOs), and using users' devices to mine digital assets, still remain [4].
Meanwhile, Google made strides in 2023, permitting NFTs to unlock in-app content even if purchased from third-party marketplaces. Google required game developers to disclose whether their experiences were blockchain-based, mimicking the approach of Epic Games' platform [4].
Apple has yet to comment on these updated guidelines.
Note: This article may be revised for clarity and updated with recently published or relevant information.Edited by Andrew Hayward
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- Apple's new iOS guidelines now allow apps to incorporate NFT collections and external links, as stipulated in section 3.1.1.
- Developers can now freely include crypto-payment buttons or links, directing users to external payment systems.
- The simplified entitlement requirements eliminate the need for the External Link Account entitlement, making it easier for developers to incorporate external payment methods and NFT functionality.
- Developers are no longer restricted from promoting external payment options without relying on Apple's payment system.
- These changes may lead to an increase in the adoption of crypto-native mobile apps on iOS, according to Wojciech Kulikowski, a software engineer at Farcaster.
- While the use of cryptocurrencies for completing tasks, facilitating initial coin offerings (ICOs), and using devices to mine digital assets is still prohibited, these advancements may unlock new horizons for blockchain-based applications on iOS.
- Google permits NFTs to unlock in-app content purchased from third-party marketplaces, requiring developers to disclose whether their experiences are blockchain-based.
- Apple has yet to comment on these updated guidelines, and the article may be revised for clarity and updated with recently published or relevant information.
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