Apple Ordered to Drop Barriers on Crypto and Off-App Payments After Court Ruling

Apple can no longer block or charge fees for external crypto payments.iOS apps are now allowed to enable in-app NFT purchases directly.The court barred Apple from tracking or limiting off-app transactions.A recent federal court ruling has mandated that Apple remove restrictions that previously limited off-app payment options as confirmed on an X post by Tesla Model Doge. https://twitter.com/TeslaModelDoge/status/1918806197337026938Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple’s previous actions violated a 2021 injunction issued during its antitrust case with Epic Games. The decision directly impacts crypto developers and applications operating within Apple’s iOS ecosystem.Crypto Applications to Gain Payment FlexibilityAccording to the April 30 court filing, Apple introduced barriers such as warning screens and redirect hurdles that discouraged alternative payment methods. These changes followed the original order, permitting developers to include external payment options. The court found these additions unlawful and ruled they must be removed immediately.With the ruling now in effect, Apple cannot impose fees or commissions on payments conducted outside its App Store system. Developers can now integrate payment systems that support USDC, ETH, SOL, and other digital assets directly into their apps.Previously, Apple charged a 30% commission on in-app purchases, creating challenges for crypto-based apps seeking external transactions. The new update ends this restriction and removes friction for transactions conducted through web links or third-party services. Additionally, Apple’s updated guidelines now permit NFT purchases within apps. This change allows developers to offer in-app purchases without rerouting users through external browsers.Court Finds Apple in Willful ViolationJudge Rogers stated that Apple’s response to the 2021 injunction had violated its intent. The ruling accused Apple of continuing anticompetitive conduct to maintain its existing revenue stream.The updated order prohibits Apple from auditing or tracking purchases made outside the app environment. Developers are also free to design and place external payment links without seeking additional permissions or entitlements. Furthermore, Apple is barred from restricting specific app categories from using external links. The ruling applies universally to all app developers on Apple’s U.S. storefront.Crypto developers and industry observers noted the immediate impact of the ruling. Several pointed to changes in Apple’s guidelines that align with the new legal requirements. According to Ariel Michaeli of Appfigures, the new terms allow apps to display NFT collections and support off-app payments without prior entitlements.Industry figures, including Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, responded to the court order by confirming upcoming app launches. Sweeney indicated Fortnite would return to the U.S. App Store if Apple applies the same policy globally. The ruling now reshapes how app-based payments are handled across Apple platforms. Developers can integrate external payment flows without interference from the App Store system.