Apple Ordered to Allow Crypto Payments & NFT Links in iOS Apps After Court Ruling
Court Ruling Forces Apple to Drop App Store Fee Restrictions
In a landmark legal decision, Apple has been ordered to allow external payment options, including crypto payments and NFT links, on iOS. The April 30 ruling marks a major shift in Apple’s long-standing “walled garden” payment policies.
“Apple willfully violated this Court’s 2021 Injunction.”
— Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers
Why This Ruling Matters for Web3
Developers can now link to external NFT marketplaces and crypto wallets.
Apple cannot charge a 30% fee for off-app purchases.
No tracking, auditing, or approval required from Apple for external transactions.
Developers do not need special entitlements to use crypto-based payments.
“This is hugely bullish for mobile crypto games and NFT apps.” — @Xero, Web3 Analyst
Apple Quietly Updates App Store Guidelines
Following the ruling, Apple updated its policies. Though not loud about it, the change is clear and binding:
Apps can now direct users to crypto-based payment platforms.
External links to NFT collections are now permitted.
Apple can’t collect commissions on external sales anymore.
“Apps can now link to an external NFT collection — no entitlement required.”
— Ariel Michaeli, CEO, Appfigures
Epic Games Responds: Fortnite May Return
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, welcomed the ruling and hinted at Fortnite’s return to iOS:
“If Apple expands this Apple-tax-free model globally, Fortnite will be back.”
Epic had originally sued Apple over its restrictive practices, which led to this court-ordered change.
How This Impacts the Crypto and NFT Ecosystem
This ruling creates a huge opportunity for developers:
Mobile-first NFT platforms
Crypto wallets and exchanges
With Apple no longer gatekeeping payments, expect a flood of new iOS Web3 apps.
Table: Apple App Store Rule Changes (Before vs After)
Alex Masmej, Crypto Founder:
“This is absolutely huge for crypto on iOS.”
Crypto Twitter Reacts "Web3 mobile adoption just got a massive green light. Apple finally bows to decentralization."
— @build_in_web3
Q1: Can apps now use crypto payments on iOS?Yes, developers can now link to external crypto-based payment platforms without Apple interference.
Q2: Will Apple still charge its 30% fee?No. For purchases made outside the app (via external links), Apple cannot charge any fees.
Q3: Can iOS apps link to NFT collections?Yes. Apple now allows links to external NFT platforms directly from the app.
Q4: When does this change take effect?Immediately. The court has enforced the injunction without delay.
Q5: Will this affect global developers too?So far, this applies to U.S. enforcement. But if Apple expands it globally, the impact could be huge.
The Future of Apple and Web3
The ruling marks the beginning of a new era in mobile decentralization. Developers now have freedom from Apple’s “App Store tax” and can finally build true Web3 experiences on iOS.
If you're a crypto or NFT developer, now’s the time to launch on iOS.
— Powered by Web3 growth
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