Apple Relaxes Its Policy on Cryptocurrencies and Non-fungible Tokens (NFTs)

After a lengthy legal battle with Epic Games, Apple has finally relaxed its policy regarding cryptocurrencies and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on the App Store. This change comes following a ruling from the US District Court in an antitrust case concerning the tech giant and the Fortnite maker.

Now, app developers have more leeway to integrate and promote NFT services, which could bring fresh opportunities for the crypto industry to grow.

Background

In August 2020, Epic Games sued Apple and Google over the App Store and Play Store rules, which the company claimed were anti-competitive.

The legal dispute arose after Epic Games protested against having to use Apple’s in-app purchase system, which took a 30% cut of every transaction. To circumvent this, Epic introduced a direct payment option within the Fortnite app. However, Apple later removed the game from its platform after the company stated that it violated the policy.

In April 2025, US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple willfully violated the 2021 court order. The judge stated that the tech giant was still erecting barriers for developers to use alternative payment systems. As a result, the case was referred to federal prosecutors to consider possible criminal charges against Apple.

Apple’s Policy Changes for Developers

In response to the court mandate, Apple has updated its App Store guidelines to provide more flexibility to developers in handling NFTs.

Apps can now use in-app purchases for NFT-related services such as minting, sales, and transferring NFTs.

Moreover, users are allowed to view their own NFTs within the app, and developers can display NFT collections that are not directly owned by the user.

The most significant change is that apps within the US App Store can now offer external links or buttons that direct users to third-party services to complete NFT purchases. This marks a reversal of Apple’s previous policy, which was very strict against these types of transactions.

Apps are not permitted to conduct cryptocurrency mining, offer token-based rewards for engaging with the app, or accept cryptocurrency as a payment method directly within the app.

Apps are allowed to make NFT purchases through off-platform links, but in-app payments must still go through Apple’s system unless they are made off-platform.

Apps are allowed to display and interact with users’ NFT collections.

Apps can mint, sell, and transfer NFTs via third-party services.

The changes announced by Apple are a step forward in offering greater flexibility to developers. However, it's important to note that these updates are specifically for the App Store in the US.

Despite the modifications, Apple is continuing its appeal against the court order. Nonetheless, this move is considered a significant development in the way Apple treats digital assets and could be a stepping stone for more innovation and openness among its developer base.

The Impact on the Crypto Industry

This policy change could have interesting implications for the crypto industry.

With Apple finally opening up the App Store to more possibilities in the Web3 space, we might see faster growth in the adoption of crypto apps and services among mainstream users.

However, it's worth noting that Apple still maintains strict control over the types of crypto activities that are permitted within its ecosystem.

Despite the limitations, this move by Apple is a positive development that could lead to more opportunities for app developers to create engaging and valuable services for users in the Web3 domain.