Apple has just shaken up the landscape for anyone building apps around NFTs and cryptocurrencies on iOS—at least in the United States. Thanks to a recent U.S. court decision from the Epic Games v. Apple lawsuit, developers can now include external payment links that bypass Apple’s longstanding 30% commission.
This shift could be a major opportunity for Web3 projects, as it gives them more breathing room for innovation and revenue. But there are still a few important details you’ll want to keep in mind.
Key Points to Know
-
External links are now allowed: For the first time, U.S. developers can let users buy digital assets through external payment options, sidestepping Apple’s hefty fees.
-
Compliance still matters: Even though Apple can’t take a cut on outside crypto transactions, apps must still comply with Apple’s review guidelines and may be subject to oversight for user experience and disclosures.
-
NFT marketplaces can flourish: If you’re building a platform like OpenSea or Magic Eden, you can now offer full transaction features directly within your iOS app.
-
Restrictions remain in place: Crypto mining on iOS devices and rewarding users with tokens for tasks are still off the table.
-
U.S.-only for now: This update is strictly for the U.S. App Store. Apple’s policies elsewhere in the world aren’t budging yet.
Why Did Apple Change Its Policy?
These new rules come on the heels of the Epic Games v. Apple case, which resulted in a mixed ruling that forces Apple to allow external payment links in its U.S. App Store. Before this, if you wanted to sell NFTs or offer crypto transactions inside your iOS app, you had to use Apple’s in-app purchase system which came with a steep 30% commission.
This commission structure had long drawn criticism from developers, particularly those in emerging sectors like Web3, who argued it stifled innovation and unfairly cut into revenue.
Now, iOS apps in the U.S. can include buttons or links directing users to outside platforms for their NFT and crypto transactions.
What Developers Can Do Now
If you’re working on an app that involves NFTs or crypto, here’s how you can leverage Apple’s new stance:
-
Embed External Payment Links: You can integrate clear buttons or links that send users to your preferred payment platform, whether for buying NFTs or transacting with cryptocurrencies.
-
Enable Full NFT Functionality: Developers can now allow users to mint, list, buy, sell, and transfer NFTs without relying on Apple’s in-app purchases.
-
Stay Compliant: Rules and regulations around crypto vary from one place to another. Keep up with local laws and remember that Apple still bans certain activities, like incentivising users with crypto rewards or mining on devices.
How This Could Play Out in Real Life
The ripple effects of this policy could be felt across the Web3 world. Think about NFT marketplaces: before, many could only let you view NFTs on an iPhone. Now, they can turn their apps into full-blown marketplaces where you can browse and buy on the go.
For example, platforms like OpenSea may now allow users to mint, buy, and sell NFTs directly within their apps using external payment processors—something that was previously blocked.
This also opens doors for play-to-earn games, DeFi apps, and crypto wallets. With fewer hurdles (and smaller fees), developers can streamline user onboarding and make it easier for people to dive into Web3.
Still, shifting users away from a familiar in-app purchase flow could raise concerns about trust and security. Some users might worry about leaving the App Store ecosystem to complete a transaction on an external site.
It’s also worth noting that these changes don’t affect developers working outside the crypto or NFT space—standard in-app purchase rules remain in place for most apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this policy worldwide?
No, it’s currently limited to the U.S. App Store. Apple hasn’t changed its global guidelines, so developers can’t add external payment links in other countries yet.
Can developers give out token rewards or allow mining?
No, Apple still prohibits crypto mining on devices and any kind of reward program where users get tokens for performing tasks.
Do I need a special entitlement to add payment links?
No special permission is required now. U.S. developers can direct users to external NFT collections or payment systems without an extra blessing from Apple.
Is Apple going to appeal the court decision?
Yes, Apple has already said it plans to appeal. However, these changes are active for now because of the court order. If Apple succeeds later, some policies might change again.
Final Thoughts
By allowing external payment links for NFTs and crypto transactions, Apple is responding to legal pressure in a way that could accelerate blockchain adoption—at least in the U.S. For many developers, this is a breath of fresh air that could spark more creative uses of Web3 technology on iOS.
At the same time, this remains a fast-moving space with potential legal and security hurdles. If you’re a developer, stay up to date on any regulatory changes and keep an eye on Apple’s ongoing legal proceedings.
For now, it’s a good moment to seize the opportunity and bring truly decentralized experiences to iOS users in the United States.
