Apple Loosens App Store Rules for Crypto and NFTs After Court Defeat

In a landmark shift, Apple has updated its App Store policies to allow NFT and cryptocurrency apps to include external links and purchase options — a move triggered by the company’s antitrust loss to Epic Games.

The U.S. federal court ruled that Apple had violated a 2021 injunction by blocking developers from directing users to external purchasing methods and charging its notorious 27% “Apple Tax.” Now, apps like OpenSea and Magic Eden can enable direct NFT transactions from within their iOS interfaces.

Although this policy update applies only to the U.S. App Store for now, it signals a potential revolution in Web3 accessibility. Wallet apps like Coinbase and MetaMask are expected to benefit from streamlined transaction flows and better UX on Apple devices.

Restrictions remain, however: apps are still banned from enabling mining, offering tokens for tasks, or hosting ICOs. Still, developers can now integrate call-to-action buttons, third-party links, and alternative payment options, which had long been prohibited.

Following similar policy updates by Google in 2023, this marks a decisive moment in the ongoing tug-of-war between centralized tech giants and the decentralized crypto community.