A pivotal shift in app payments: Understanding the impact of the court decision on Apple's App Store
iOS Apps Might Soon Incorporate Cryptocurrency Transactions and NFTs Following Apple's Legal Setback
On May 2, 2025, the US Court handed down a decision that drastically transformed the way apps operate on Apple's iOS platform. This ruling forces Apple to allow developers to accept cryptocurrency payments and include NFT features, bypassing Apple's in-app payment system and its hefty 27% commission.
This legal battle between Epic Games and Apple lasted years, and the judge found that Apple had intentionally violated the 2021 injunction by continuing to block fair competition. Apple's actions have been viewed as willful attempts to hinder developers' ability to provide alternative payment options.
This developing scenario paves the way for apps like Fortnite to return to the US App Store, ushering in a significant change to how developers monetize their platforms. Developers now have the freedom to accept direct payments in USDC, ETH, SOL, and other cryptocurrencies without the need for intermediaries and Apple's commission. Additionally, the change also affects NFT marketplace features, so users can complete purchases without switching to a browser.
Apple's grip weakens as regulatory scrutiny intensifies
The court's ruling could have far-reaching consequences for Apple's larger services business, which reported revenue of $26.6 billion in the last quarter, an 11.6% year-on-year increase. Historically, Apple's services division has generated gross margins of around 75%, significantly higher than the company-wide average of 47%. A significant chunk of those profits stemmed from the commissions it took on in-app payments.
While Apple has announced its intention to appeal the ruling, the interim win for developers means they can operate freely during the appeal process. For instance, Spotify has announced an update to its US app, allowing subscribers to view clear pricing and visit outside links to make payments, all from within the app.
New possibilities in the world of crypto and NFTs
This ruling opens up an array of opportunities for crypto and NFT markets. Decentralized applications can now seamlessly integrate crypto wallets, offer NFT memberships, and conduct on-chain transactions, enhancing user experience and simplifying payments. The restriction that prevented NFTs from unlocking features within apps is now a thing of the past, enabling developers to offer NFT-gated content within their apps.
Fostering mainstream crypto and NFT adoption
Apple's extensive user base in the United States may help propel mainstream crypto and NFT adoption due to the reduced barriers associated with native crypto integration. A larger number of wallet sign-ups, transactions, and user engagement within apps can be expected. Although Apple is appealing the decision, the ruling may establish a precedent worldwide, much like the earlier fine of $566 million imposed on Apple in Europe for hindering alternative payment options. Given that there were $1.1 trillion in billings across the App Store in 2022, even minor changes could significantly alter the economics of mobile apps.
Benefitting developers and consumers alike
Users will benefit from increased payment options, potential cost savings, and a smoother cryptocurrency experience within their favorite apps. Developers, on the other hand, will welcome the opportunity to innovate, build communities, and retain more of their earnings outside Apple's system. Although Apple is appealing the ruling, the decision marks a turning point, providing a genuine path for mainstream iOS users to access mobile dApps, NFT trading, and crypto utilities - a shift many found hard to imagine just a year ago.
More News: *14 Crypto Exchanges Banned from Apple Store in South Korea's Crackdown***
Insights:
- The court ruling requires Apple to make significant changes to its App Store policies, particularly in relation to crypto payments and NFTs.
- Developers can now integrate cryptocurrency-based payment systems and NFT sales without Apple's previously imposed restrictions or commission fees.
- The decision is expected to stimulate the growth of mobile NFT apps, play-to-earn games, decentralized wallets, and other Web3 applications on iOS platforms.
- Users may benefit from increased payment options, lower costs, and improved user experience within their favorite apps.
- This ruling could set a precedent that may impact Apple's App Store policies globally, potentially shaping the digital economy within the App Store ecosystem.
- The court ruling allows developers to integrate crypto wallets into their apps, offering NFT memberships and conducting on-chain transactions, thereby enhancing user experience and simplifying payments.
- This decision removes the restriction that prevented NFTs from unlocking features within apps, enabling developers to offer NFT-gated content within their apps.
- App users may witness increased payment options, potential cost savings, and a smoother cryptocurrency experience within their favorite apps.
- Developers now have the opportunity to innovate, build communities, and retain more of their earnings outside Apple's system, fostering a more competitive App Store environment.
- The ruling may stimulate the growth of mobile NFT apps, play-to-earn games, decentralized wallets, and other Web3 applications on iOS platforms.
- This decision could potentially shape the digital economy within the App Store ecosystem, setting a precedent that may impact Apple's App Store policies globally.
- The court ruling bypasses Apple's in-app payment system and its 27% commission, granting developers the freedom to accept direct payments in USDC, ETH, SOL, and other cryptocurrencies without intermediaries.
