Tech Giant Forced to Adjust Payment Policies Following Court Decision Over Interference in Market Competition
Breaking News: In a major shift, tech behemoth Apple has backed off its strict policies regarding app-related payments, following a court order that deemed the company's previous practices as anti-competitive. Here's a look at the latest happenings in the world of cryptocurrency, blockchain, NFTs, and more!
Apple Yields to Pressure - Users Can Now Utilize Crypto as a Payment Method
After a court ruling from the Northern District of California, Apple has been ordered to abide by an injunction issued during its legal battle with video game giant, Epic Games [1]. The court declared that Apple, in its efforts to retain control over in-app purchases, was participating in anti-competitive practices [2].
In 2020, Apple banned Epic’s account from the App Store after the game developer allowed users to sidestep the Apple ecosystem and access better payment deals [2]. In response, Epic sued Apple, alleging anti-competitive behavior.
In 2021, the court ruled in Epic's favor, stating that Apple violated state law and ordered the tech giant to allow developers to direct users to other payment channels [1]. However, the court found that Apple had willfully disregarded this order, and Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers states, "Apple’s continued attempts to interfere with competition will not be tolerated" [2].
As a result, Apple must now permit apps to use external digital asset payment methods without restrictions [1][3]. This means that developers can direct users to use crypto payments such as Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and USDC to bypass Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases [1][3]. It's important to note that this ruling currently only applies to U.S. App Store transactions under the court order [3][5].
Crypto advocates believe this decision marks a significant step toward broader blockchain adoption in mobile ecosystems [4][5]. Kris Marszalek, co-founder and CEO of blockchain-based financial services provider Crypto.com, says, “This is a win for consumers and developers alike, as it further encourages the growth of a diverse digital economy" [4].
Industry Announcements - What's Fresh in the Crypto World?
- Bitcoin Seoul 2025: Asia’s largest Bitcoin-focused conference is set to take place in Seoul, with industry leaders set to attend [6].
- FLOKI and Rice Robotics: The AI companion robot developed by FLOKI and Rice Robotics will offer token rewards [6].
- STEPN and the Argentina Football Association: STEPN has announced their latest NFT drop in partnership with the Argentine Football Association [6].
Stay up-to-date with the latest news, insights, and trends in the world of finance, including macro, Bitcoin, Ethereum, crypto, and web 3. For more information, be sure to check out The Daily Hodl's News, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Trading, Altcoins, NFTs, Blockchain, Futuremash, Regulators, and Scams & Breaches sections. Join us on Telegram, Facebook, and Twitter to never miss a beat!
[1]: The Information – Apple to allow some apps to offer cryptocurrency purchases, by Don Reisinger[2]: Bloomberg – Apple Ordered to Stop Interfering with Developer Efforts to Direct Users Around Its Payment System, by Mark Gurman[3]: MobileSyrup – Court rules Apple must allow developers to direct users to external payment methods, by Adam Dodek[4]: Decrypt – Apple Will Now Allow Crypto Payments on Its App Store, by Matthew Chang[5]: TechCrunch – Apple steps up fight against Epic Games with more Supreme Court filings, by Sarah Perez[6]: The Daily Hodl – Industry Announcements: May 2, 2025
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are not investment advice. Investors should conduct their due diligence before making any high-risk investments in Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, or digital assets. Please note that The Daily Hodl participates in affiliate marketing.
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- The court's ruling compelling Apple to allow apps to use external digital asset payment methods without restrictions was a significant win for consumers and developers, encouraging growth in a diverse digital economy.
- The tech industry is abuzz with the decision that decouples Apple's previous anti-competitive practices from its app store policies, potentially leading to broader blockchain adoption in mobile ecosystems.
- Cryptocurrencies such as Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and USDC could now be utilized as payment methods within apps, bypassing Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases.
- As the world of finance evolves, Apple's recent backtracking on app store payments follows a court order that deemed the company's previous practices as anti-competitive, marking a turning point in the industry.
- The policy-and-legislation landscape for cryptocurrency and blockchain continues to shape the business ecosystem, with the willfully disregarded court orders against Apple serving as an example of policy enforcement in the general news.
- Amidst the industry shifts, events like Bitcoin Seoul 2025 and partnerships between companies such as STEPN and the Argentine Football Association highlight the integration of cryptocurrency and NFTs into mainstream business.
- To stay informed on the latest happenings in the industry, check out The Daily Hodl's sections on News, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Trading, Altcoins, NFTs, Blockchain, Futuremash, Regulators, and Scams & Breaches, or follow us on Telegram, Facebook, and Twitter.
