Apple’s New App Store Rules Unlock Crypto Payment Freedom in US

Apple has implemented significant changes to its US App Store guidelines effective May 2, 2025, allowing developers to incorporate buttons or links directing users to external payment systems—a move that substantially benefits cryptocurrency applications. The revision follows a federal court ruling that found Apple violating a 2021 injunction from the Epic Games antitrust lawsuit, which mandated that developers be permitted to guide users toward alternative payment methods outside Apple’s ecosystem. Previously, Apple imposed up to 30% commission on in-app transactions and employed deterrent “scare screens” when users attempted to use external payment options.

For the cryptocurrency sector, this policy shift represents a watershed moment, enabling NFT marketplaces, DeFi platforms, and digital wallet services to circumvent Apple’s substantial fees while retaining 15-30% more revenue per transaction. Developers now have the freedom to integrate third-party payment processors like Stripe, creating greater flexibility for crypto-native transactions and potentially accelerating mainstream adoption of blockchain applications. Social media reaction has been predominantly positive, with one user declaring that “Mobile crypto just got unleashed,” though some observers note that the update’s US-only application limits its impact on global crypto projects.

While this regulatory adjustment aligns with broader international antitrust pressures, including the European Union’s Digital Markets Act which aims to reduce tech giant market dominance, Apple has stated its disagreement with the ruling and intentions to appeal—suggesting the policy landscape remains fluid. Despite this progress for US-based crypto applications, challenges persist: smaller developers may struggle with user trust issues regarding external payment systems, and Apple continues to prohibit apps that facilitate initial coin offerings or cryptocurrency mining. The industry now watches closely to see if these changes might eventually extend beyond US borders.

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