Apple is gearing up to permit third-party app stores on its devices to comply with new anti-monopolistic requirements from the European Union , which could be seen as a huge win for crypto and NFT app developers.
Under the new rules, European customers would be able to download alternative app marketplaces outside of Apple’s proprietary App Store, thus allowing them to download apps that skirt Apple’s 30% commissions and app restrictions according to a Dec. 13 Bloomberg report citing those familiar with the matter.
Currently, Apple has strict rules for NFT apps that practically force users to go through in-app purchases subject to Apple’s 30% commission, while apps are not permitted to support cryptocurrency payments.
Apple’s enforcement of its rule led to a block of Coinbase’s self-custody wallet app update on Dec. 1 as Apple wanted to collect 30% of the gas fee” through in-app purchases, something that is “clearly not possible according to Coinbase.
Apple’s move to open its ecosystem is in response to the EU’s Digital Markets Act aiming to regulate so-called gatekeepers and ensure platforms behave fairly with part of the measures allowing third parties to inter-operate with the gatekeeper’s own services. It will be applicable starting May 2023 with businesses needing to fully comply by 2024.
