Apple Must Allow External Crypto Payments and NFT Purchases on iOS Apps

AinvestSunday, May 4, 2025 8:26 am ET

1min read

Ask Aime: How do the new Apple payment rules affect users who want to buy NFTs right in their apps?

A federal court has ruled that Apple must remove restrictions on off-app payment options, including crypto payments, and allow iOS apps to enable in-app NFT purchases directly. The court also barred Apple from tracking or limiting off-app transactions. This decision follows a 2021 injunction in Apple's antitrust case with Epic Games and impacts crypto developers and applications within Apple's iOS ecosystem.

The ruling, handed down by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, requires Apple to update its App Store guidelines to permit developers to link users to external payment options without incurring Apple's commission fees. This change is significant for the crypto and NFT sectors, which have been severely restricted on iOS devices. Previously, developers were unable to direct users to external payment links, and Apple imposed a 30% commission on in-app purchases.

The ruling also allows developers to include buttons or links leading users to NFT marketplaces or other crypto services for purchases. This is a substantial shift for the iOS ecosystem, which has historically been more restrictive compared to other platforms. The decision opens up new possibilities for developers, particularly those working with digital assets and blockchain technology.

The ruling has already sparked reactions from industry experts and developers. David Heinemeier Hansson, the creator of Ruby on Rails, praised the decision, stating that it "opens up a whole new world for app developers." Crypto commentators like "Xero" and Alex Masmej also reacted positively, highlighting the significance of the policy change for the industry.

The ruling also impacts Apple's business model. The company has been criticized for its high commission rates on in-app purchases, and this decision could lead to a reduction in Apple's revenue from these transactions. However, the long-term impact on Apple's financials remains to be seen.

In conclusion, the federal court's ruling represents a significant shift in Apple's iOS App Store policies, particularly for the crypto and NFT sectors. The decision could lead to increased innovation and competition within the Apple ecosystem and may have broader implications for the tech industry.

References:
[1] https://techcrunch.com/2025/05/01/stripe-shows-ios-developers-how-to-avoid-apples-app-store-commission/
[2] https://coinedition.com/apple-crypto-app-store-ruling-nft-external-payments/
[3] https://decrypt.co/317589/apple-loosens-nft-crypto-ios-app-rules