Apple Allows Third Party Apps On Its Devices, Victory For The Crypto Industry And NFT

Apple has started to allow third-party applications in its rank. (photo: dock. Pixabay)

JAKARTA - US tech giant Apple is preparing to allow third-party app stores on its devices to comply with new anti-monopoly requirements from the European Union (EU). This can be considered a major win for crypto app developers and NFT, at least in Europe.

Under the new rules, European customers will be able to download alternative app markets outside Apple's App Store, allowing them to download apps that free Apple's 30% commission and app restrictions. This was first reported by Bloomberg on December 13 citing those familiar with the matter.

Currently, Apple has strict rules for NFT apps that practically force users to make in-app purchases subject to a 30% commission from Apple. While apps are not allowed to support cryptocurrency payments.

Apple's enforcement of rules led to blocking a Coinbase wallet app update on December 1 as Apple wanted to "collect 30% of fuel costs" through in-app purchases, something "clearly impossible" according to Coinbase.

Coinbase claims Apple wants to disable NFT transactions if it cannot be done via its in-app purchasing system.

Alex Salnikov, co-founder of the NFT Rarible marketplace tweeted on December 13 in response to news that "crypto app stores "can be built and will be a "great mandate" for venture-backed startups.

Apple to allow alternative app stores. Building a crypto app store is a great candidate for a VC backed startup with network effect and defensibility https://t.co/5f6hN3Rw16

— Alex Salnikov 🟡 Rarible (@insider0x) December 13, 2022

Apple's move to open its ecosystem is in response to the EU Digital Markets Act which aims to regulate so-called "gatekeepers" and ensure platforms behave fairly with part of actions that allow "third parties to operate with the gatekeeper's own services."

This rule will take effect from May 2023 and the company must fully comply with it by 2024.

According to a Cointelegraph report, Apple has yet to decide whether to comply with a section of the Act that allows developers to install alternative payment systems within apps that don't involve Apple. if appropriate, it could open a payment system that allows cryptocurrencies.

What Apple is currently considering is MANdating security requirements for software outside of its stores, such as verification from Apple, in an effort to protect users from unsafe apps.

Changes to Apple's closed ecosystem will only apply in the EU, other regions must pass similar laws such as the Open App Market Law proposed at the United States Congress by Senators Marsha Blackburn and Richard Blumenthal.