Catenaa, Thursday, May 08, 2025-Apple will now allow US app developers to direct users to external payment methods for crypto and NFT sales, following a major court loss to Epic Games.
A federal judge ruled Wednesday that Apple must stop blocking app developers from including links or buttons leading to external sites — a shift that could reshape how crypto and NFT apps operate on iOS. The decision, issued by US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, comes amid Apple’s ongoing legal battle with Epic Games, which began in 2020 over Fortnite’s removal from the App Store.
Previously, Apple charged a 30% fee on in-app purchases and a 27% fee on external transactions facilitated through the App Store. That policy had effectively restricted NFT marketplaces like OpenSea, whose iOS app currently does not allow in-app purchases. Some developers used internal browsers, as with MetaMask, to skirt the fees.
Apple said it will appeal the ruling, but has already revised its US App Store guidelines to comply with the court order. The changes apply only to US users.
Globally, Apple still prohibits external purchase links within apps.
Despite the update, Apple maintains restrictions on crypto-related apps that involve mining or reward systems.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed Fortnite is set to return to the App Store next week.
The ruling is widely seen as a win for Web3 developers and could usher in a wave of decentralized apps and crypto-based platforms bypassing Apple’s fees.
