Due to new EU regulations, tech giant Apple will allow iPhone and iPad users to install apps outside of the App Store. Why is it a boon for cryptocurrencies and NFTs?
Change of strategy for Apple
Frustrating users and creators, Apple’s “corrupted” ecosystem takes nearly 30% in commissions on app sales. But a new report suggests that Apple plans to open up its ecosystem, which could benefit apps built around blockchain, cryptos and cryptos. NFT. This change of direction could facilitate deployments of crypto payments on iOS.
According Bloomberg, Apple plans to allow the installation of applications from external sources (outside of its own App Store). These installations will only be possible on iPhone and iPad (not on Apple Watch or Apple TV for example).
According to the report, support for apps from external sources will only begin in Europe. This measure is mainly taken because Apple must comply at the news european law. The feature could expand to other countries, whether or not they adopt similar regulations.
Present in the IOS 17 update?
Apple would like to launch this feature in its next iOS 17 software update. According to the usual annual schedule, this should be launched for next fall.
According to Bloomberg, the firm is still investigating the possibility ofallow third-party apps to use their own payment infrastructure. This option would avoid requiring developers to route payments through Apple’s system. If this change is implemented, it could make it easier to spend cryptocurrencies speak through iPhone and iPad apps.
These changes come amid growing challenge to Apple’s closed ecosystem, which not only philosophically opposes Web3’s decentralized ethos, but has also led to restrictions on how apps can use NFT assets. In October, Apple updated its developer guidelines to clarify that NFTs cannot be used to control access to app features or content.
Yet these changes go to theagainst practices usual toApple. Whereas Meta grows in Web3the apple company does the opposite and opposes philosophically to the decentralized ethics of the Web3. Apple limits and prevents how apps use blockchain, cryptos and NFTs. In October, Apple updated its Developer Terms. The firm specified that the NFTs could not be used to control access to app features or content.
An abusive 30% commission
NFT purchases are also subject to the 30% commission from Apple, which is impossible to apply to sales on the secondary market. Marketplace iOS apps like OpenSea and Magic Eden only allow users to browse NFTs. Under no circumstances can they buy or sell them through the app.
These rules have also caused issues in some existing iOS apps. Coinbase recently announced that it had to disable NFT transfers through its Coinbase Wallet mobile app. Apple said users would have to pay 30% off gas charges (as on Ethereum) used for this action. Coinbase had described this request as “impossible” to implement.
Dan Finlay, co-founder of the MetaMask wallet and former Apple employee, supported Coinbase in a tweet. He denounces Apple’s monopoly abuse. He suggested that MetaMask might be the next victim by Apple’s rules, and added:
I’ll absolutely stand in solidarity here.
In absolute terms, I will stick together.
Is Apple on the right track?
Apple’s plans to open up its ecosystem could benefit applications running on the blockchain. These are currently limited or impeded by App Store requirements. These applications could then be installed via external sources and not depend on Apple’s strict policies. However, Bloomberg reports that Apple may introduce “security requirements” additional for external applications.
This decision could also benefit the development of the Web3 metaverse. Apple would be in the process of develop a mixed VR/AR headset which could debut in 2023. Many Web3 developers could be moving towards the Apple ecosystem to develop their projects. If theinteroperability between platforms is in the line of sight at Apple, we could witness a real paradigm shift for the Cupertino company.
Gaming giant Epic Games takes on Apple
Today, Web3 developers aren’t the only ones complaining about Apple’s current model. Epic Games had sued Apple, as well as Google and its Android Play Store. Both companies had blocked its popular Fortnite game due to the addition of a third-party payment model.
The court ruling that could have compelled Apple to allow third-party payments has finally been postponed. And with the companies still embroiled in the legal battle, the Epic Games CEO tweeted about a report that came out yesterday. Tim Sweeney pressures lawmakers to pass a legislation similar to the EU for the United States.
Mark Gurman, writing for Bloomberg, says Apple is preparing to open iOS to competing app stores – but only in Europe.
This would leave American developers in serfdom in the nation where Apple was founded.
Congress must pass the Open Apps Market Act! https://t.co/GnCChgi0hX
— Possibly Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) December 13, 2022
According to him, if external applications are only authorized in Europe, it would leave American developers slaves to a closed market. He added:
Congress must pass the Open Apps Market Act!
Congress must pass the Open Market Apps Act!
Twitter’s new owner, Elon Musk, has also complained about Apple’s policies. After the company limited its ad spending, he asked on Twitter if Apple “hated free speech.” Elon Musk also claimed that Apple is considering removing the Twitter app from their App Store. After meeting with the CEO of Apple, he finally indicated that it was a “misunderstanding”.
In the same theme, find all the information concerning the takeover of Twitter by Elon Musk:
