Apple has officially ended its ban on external cryptocurrency payments within iOS applications in the United States. Starting in early May 2025, developers can now direct users to third-party payment processors for Bitcoin and NFT transactions without facing app removal or revenue sharing.
This policy shift removes one of the most significant barriers between Apple’s user base and the broader crypto economy. Previously, crypto-focused apps were forced to use Apple’s In-App Purchase system, which levied a steep 30% commission. For digital asset platforms, this fee rendered profitable transactions nearly impossible, as users needed a 43% price gain just to break even.
The change is not voluntary. It stems directly from a federal court ruling in the long-running Epic Games v. Apple litigation. The judge mandated that Apple allow users to bypass its proprietary payment system. While Apple plans to appeal the decision, the new rules are currently live for US developers.
For investors, the implications are clear. Crypto-native companies can now retain 100% of transaction fees rather than surrendering nearly a third to Apple. This significantly improves gross margins and unit economics for platforms operating on iOS.
However, limitations remain. The policy applies exclusively to the US App Store, leaving international users under the old restrictions. Additionally, the pending appeal introduces legal uncertainty. If higher courts reverse the ruling, developers who have restructured their monetization strategies around external links may face immediate disruption.
While this marks a substantial expansion of Bitcoin integration into the Apple ecosystem, it remains a US-specific development with ongoing legal risks.