Share this article
Apple Policy Update May Open Door for Bitcoin Transactions
Apple's has updated its app guidelines to include 'approved' digital currencies.
By Pete Rizzo
Updated Sep 11, 2021, 10:50 a.m. Published Jun 2, 2014, 8:51 p.m.
Make us preferred on Google
Cupertino, California-based computing giant Apple has released an update to its App Store Review Guidelines that potentially opens the doors for a change in its long-restrictive policies against bitcoin and other digital currencies.
The release follows Worldwide Developer’s Conference (WWDC 2014), an annual meetup of Apple developers that was expected to bring notable announcements for the company's customers and wider business community.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Don't miss another story.Subscribe to the Crypto Daybook Americas Newsletter today. See all newsletters
The update, made under the document's 'purchasing and currencies' section, reads:
"Apps may facilitate transmission of approved virtual currencies provided that they do so in compliance with all state and federal laws for the territories in which the app functions."
Anti-bitcoin policies
Apple had garnered the ire of the wider bitcoin community as early as 2012 when it removed wallet apps Blockchain Wallet and BitPak. While Blockchain's app was later reinstated, Apple returned late last year to abruptly pull major bitcoin wallet apps — such as Coinbase and the newer Blockchain — from its app store.
Encrypted instant message app Gliph once allowed bitcoins to be attached to messages, but developers were told by Apple it could only remain available if that feature was removed.
BitPak developer Rob Sama said an Apple representative had given the reason: "Because that bitcoin thing is not legal in all jurisdictions for which BitPak is for sale". When he questioned what laws anywhere made bitcoin illegal, the rep responded "that is up to you to figure out".
Although iOS users who installed the apps before the ban are still able to use them, no ability to update means they're often stuck with only basic functionality compared to their Android-using brethren. And should they lose or damage their device somehow, the app is gone for good.
Damage to bitcoin
The resulting embargo of any apps that allow for the transmission of bitcoins has been widely acknowledged by the bitcoin community as having a negative impact on adoption. Despite rivals' gains in recent years, Apple's iOS still accounts for 65% of mobile web traffic in the lucrative North American market.
Blockchain's app had been downloaded 120,000 times before Apple's action. Earlier this year, that company and Gliph responded with blog posts critical of Apple's lack of clarity on the issue.
Anti-Apple backlash perhaps hit a tipping point this February, when bitcoin's fervent reddit community began publicly destroying Apple devices in a video campaign designed to bring awareness to the Apple's actions.
Creative solutions
Of course, in recent months bitcoin entrepreneurs and developers have simply become more covert in their use of Apple's own policies in order to bring bitcoin-based services to the platform.
and Cycle of Goodness (CoG) both launched wallets in the wake of Apple's Blockchain ban to wide enthusiasm in the community, while browser-based alternatives have provided alternative relief.
Developers at Avalonic also produced a beta version of an entire unofficial bitcoin app store called 'Bit Store', saying their use of Apple's enterprise protocols was legally sound.
Most recently, Pheeva was about to offer its bitcoin wallet to iOS users by registering as a cooperative, meaning prospective users must first enroll in the company's community online before download.
Uncertainty lingers
While the cause of much enthusiasm from the community, ultimately more guidance may be required to determine whether or not bitcoin itself is an "approved" digital currency.
In addition, Section 22.1 of Apple's Review Guidelines has always contained this clause, under 'Legal Requirements':
“Apps must comply with all legal requirements in any location where they are made available to users. It is the developer’s obligation to understand and conform to all local laws.”
As a company, Apple is notoriously tight-lipped about future development, and may have an as-yet-unrevealed product which applies to the policy change.
CoinDesk is still monitoring this developing story.
More For You
KuCoin captured a record share of centralised exchange volume in 2025, with more than $1.25tn traded as its volumes grew faster than the wider crypto market.
What to know:
- KuCoin recorded over $1.25 trillion in total trading volume in 2025, equivalent to an average of roughly $114 billion per month, marking its strongest year on record.
- This performance translated into an all-time high share of centralised exchange volume, as KuCoin’s activity expanded faster than aggregate CEX volumes, which slowed during periods of lower market volatility.
- Spot and derivatives volumes were evenly split, each exceeding $500 billion for the year, signalling broad-based usage rather than reliance on a single product line.
- Altcoins accounted for the majority of trading activity, reinforcing KuCoin’s role as a primary liquidity venue beyond BTC and ETH at a time when majors saw more muted turnover.
- Even as overall crypto volumes softened mid-year, KuCoin maintained elevated baseline activity, indicating structurally higher user engagement rather than short-lived volume spikes.
More For You
Key bitcoin price levels to watch as downward pressure builds
As bitcoin remains in a downtrend, several technical and onchain levels stand out as critical areas of support.
What to know:
- The 100-week moving average at $87,145 remains the main line of defense.
- Below this, the cost basis of U.S. spot bitcoin ETF buyers at $84,099 has provided support during recent consolidation.
- A sustained break below $80,000 would likely open the door to a revisit of the April 2025 low near $76,000.
Top Stories
