Crypto Adoption

Apple Loosens NFT and Crypto Restrictions on iOS

iOS apps can now offer external payment options, including crypto and NFTs — but only in the U.S.

Apple has significantly relaxed its App Store policies regarding NFTs and cryptocurrency payments, allowing iOS developers to include external links and buttons for users to make purchases outside of Apple’s system — a decision driven by a recent U.S. federal court ruling.

Apple recently updated its App Store rules to allow iOS apps to include buttons and links that let users pay outside of Apple’s own system. That means if you want to buy NFTs or use crypto payments in an app, you can do it directly, without being forced to use Apple’s in-app… pic.twitter.com/N9bJNFRC8i
— Anshul Dhir (@anshuldhir_) May 2, 2025

Background: A Landmark Court Decision

Earlier this week, a U.S. District Judge ruled that Apple "willfully" violated a prior court injunction from 2021. The court barred Apple from charging its typical 27% fee on external purchases and from restricting developers who direct users to third-party payment methods — including crypto wallets and NFT marketplaces.

The ruling follows years of legal battles, most notably from Epic Games, creator of Fortnite, who accused Apple of monopolistic practices. The judgment marks a decisive shift in how developers can operate within Apple’s tightly controlled ecosystem.

Apple’s Official Response and Developer Notification

According to an internal email obtained by Decrypt, Apple informed developers that apps distributed on the U.S. storefront are:

“No longer prohibited from including buttons, external links, or other calls to action when allowing users to browse NFT collections owned by others.”

Further, Apple clarified:

“The prohibition on encouraging users to use a purchasing method other than in-app purchase does not apply on the United States storefront.”

This means developers can now sell NFTs directly through external platforms and accept crypto payments, sidestepping Apple’s payment system altogether.

What’s Changed for iOS Apps in the U.S.?

External payment links are now allowed, including for crypto wallets.
NFTs from secondary marketplaces can be browsed and purchased.
Apple can no longer enforce its 27% commission on such external sales within the U.S.

🔒 Note: These changes apply only in the United States. Apple’s global policy remains unchanged in other regions.

Industry Impact: A Win for Web3 and App Developers

This policy shift is seen as a massive win for the crypto industry and the broader Web3 developer community. For years, Apple's restrictions made integrating blockchain-based features extremely difficult without express approval.

By loosening these controls, Apple opens the door for: