Apple Ordered to Remove App Store Payment Restrictions, Boosting Crypto Developers

Apple has been ordered by a US federal judge to eliminate policies that restricted app developers from directing users to external payment options. This ruling, issued by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez rogers on April 30, marks a significant shift for crypto developers building on iOS. The decision stems from Apple's long-running legal battle with Epic Games, which challenged Apple's App Store practices as anti-competitive. In 2021, the court issued an injunction requiring apple to allow developers to offer alternative payment methods for their application users. However, Apple responded by adding restrictive features such as warning screens and complicated redirects, which discouraged users from leaving its in-app purchase system, where the company takes a 30% commission on transactions. The court found these changes unacceptable and ruled that Apple cannot add new barriers or charge fees for off-app payments.

“Apple, despite knowing its obligations thereunder, thwarted the Injunction’s goals, and continued its anticompetitive conduct solely to maintain its revenue stream,” the judge wrote. Under the new directive, Apple cannot charge fees or place additional hurdles for off-app transactions. The company has since updated its App Store Guidelines to allow developers to include external payment links, provided certain conditions are met. “Apps may allow users to browse NFT collections owned by others, provided that, except for apps on the United States storefront, the apps may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase,” Apple’s updated guideline reads.

This change opens new possibilities for crypto-based apps that previously struggled under Apple’s tight ecosystem. Crypto community members pointed out that apps can now support direct payments using digital assets like USDC, ETH, and SOL. This allows them to bypass Apple’s system and avoid the 30% commission. Additionally, iOS apps can finally enable in-app NFT purchases. This removes the friction of redirecting users to external web browsers and could significantly improve the mobile user experience. Moreover, the decision makes it easier for developers to gate app features using NFTs. Apple had previously restricted this practice to prevent fee avoidance. However, as developers pointed out, fiat-to-crypto onboarding remains a challenge. While the new policy makes crypto use easier once assets are acquired, users still need to complete KYC procedures to purchase tokens.