Crypto app developers can now bypass Apple’s restrictive App Store payment system, following a decisive court ruling that found Apple in violation of a previous antitrust injunction. This marks a significant moment for the mobile crypto ecosystem, which has long faced limitations from Apple’s policies.
Judge Rules Apple Violated Antitrust Order
U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers issued a strong rebuke against Apple on April 30, declaring the tech giant “in willful violation” of a 2021 injunction aimed at curbing anticompetitive practices.
“The Court finds Apple in willful violation of this Court’s 2021 Injunction, which was issued to restrain and prohibit Apple’s anticompetitive conduct and anticompetitive pricing. Apple’s continued attempts to interfere with competition will not be tolerated,” Rogers stated.
She made it clear that the ruling is final and not open to reinterpretation or negotiation: “This is an injunction, not a negotiation. There are no do-overs once a party willfully disregards a court order. Time is of the essence.”
Immediate Changes for Developers
Rogers ordered Apple to immediately stop blocking developers from communicating with users or implementing off-app purchases. More critically, the company is prohibited from charging commissions or fees on transactions made outside the App Store.
The court filing added that Apple must not audit or monitor external purchases: “No reason exists to audit, monitor, track or require developers to report purchases or any other activity that consumers make outside an app.”
The ruling also bars Apple from imposing design restrictions or selectively denying link access to specific types of developers or applications.
Industry Response and Implications for Crypto
The crypto industry welcomed the decision, particularly its implications for NFTs and decentralized applications. Appfigures CEO Ariel Michaeli observed that Apple’s revised developer guidelines appeared reluctantly written, saying some might find the “passive aggressive language confusing.”
Crypto commentator “Xero” celebrated the news on social media: “This is hugely bullish for mobile crypto games and apps.” Meanwhile, Alex Masmej called the decision “absolutely huge for crypto.”
According to Michaeli’s interpretation of the guideline changes, apps can now include links to external NFT collections and payment systems without needing entitlements from Apple.
Epic Games Reacts With Strategic Offer
Epic Games, the central player in the original antitrust case, also responded swiftly. CEO Tim Sweeney announced that the company plans to relaunch Fortnite on the U.S. App Store.
“Epic puts forth a peace proposal: If Apple extends the court’s friction-free, Apple-tax-free framework worldwide, we’ll return Fortnite to the App Store worldwide and drop current and future litigation on the topic,” Sweeney said.
While this ruling applies to the U.S., its ripple effects could extend globally if Apple chooses to align its international policies accordingly.