Apple Forced to Allow NFT Payment Links After Epic Games Legal Win

Epic Games' legal win against Apple has altered the App Store policy, allowing developers to implement external payment systems without Apple's 30% fee. This change is seen as a financial gain for developers and may lead to greater adoption of cryptocurrencies and NFTs in iOS apps, potentially driving a shift towards decentralized finance platforms.

A recent legal ruling in favor of Epic Games has significantly altered Apple's App Store policy, allowing developers to integrate external payment systems without incurring Apple's 30% fee. This decision marks a pivotal moment for the tech industry, particularly for crypto and NFT developers.

The ruling, handed down by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, found Apple in violation of a 2021 injunction by continuing anti-competitive practices that discouraged off-app payments. This change opens new possibilities for crypto-based apps that previously struggled under Apple's tight ecosystem. Developers can now support direct payments using digital assets like USDC, ETH, and SOL, bypassing Apple’s in-app purchase system and avoiding the 30% commission [1].

Moreover, iOS apps can finally enable in-app NFT purchases, removing the friction of redirecting users to external web browsers and potentially improving the mobile user experience. The decision also makes it easier for developers to gate app features using NFTs, a practice previously restricted by Apple to prevent fee avoidance [1].

Epic Games has taken additional steps to support developers by promising not to take a cut from the first $1 million that each game earns annually. This move follows the favorable legal ruling against Apple and aims to provide developers with a more cost-effective alternative to in-app purchases [2]. Spotify is also exploring similar out-of-app purchase options, further underscoring the shift towards decentralized financial platforms [2].

The implications of this ruling extend beyond gaming apps. The ability to integrate direct crypto payments and NFT features in iOS apps could drive greater adoption of these technologies, potentially leading to a more decentralized financial ecosystem. However, fiat-to-crypto onboarding remains a challenge, as users still need to complete KYC procedures to purchase tokens [1].

In conclusion, the legal victory against Apple represents a significant step forward for crypto and NFT developers, offering them greater financial freedom and the potential to reach a broader audience. As the industry continues to evolve, the impact of this ruling will be closely watched by investors and financial professionals alike.

References:
[1] https://beincrypto.com/court-ruling-boosts-crypto-payment-in-apples-ios-apps/
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/technology/tech-news/epic-games-to-bring-webshops-for-developers-to-avoid-apple-app-store-fees-125050201066_1.html