Apple updates App Store guidelines with new rules for crypto and NFT payments 

Following the release of iOS 16.1 and other software updates on Monday, Apple updated its App Store guidelines to explain its policy for cryptocurrency trading and NFTs in clearer language.

The company makes it clear that crypto exchanges or other apps that allow trading digital tokens and currencies can sell related content using the App Store’s in-app purchase system. However, they can’t “direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase.”

“Apps may use in-app purchase to sell and sell services related to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), such as minting, listing, and transferring. Apps may allow users to view their own NFTs, provided that NFT ownership does not unlock features or functionality within the app. Apps may allow users to browse NFT collections owned by others, provided that the apps may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase,” Apple said in a post published on the Apple Developer website.

When it comes to cryptocurrency exchanges, Apple said: ““Exchanges: Apps may facilitate transactions or transmissions of cryptocurrency on an approved exchange, provided they are offered only in countries or regions where the app has appropriate licensing and permissions to provide a cryptocurrency exchange.”

Apple also noted that apps designed solely to allow advertisers to manage their campaigns no longer need to use the App Store’s in-app purchase system.

“Advertising Management Apps: Apps for the sole purpose of allowing advertisers (persons or companies that advertise a product, service, or event) to purchase and manage advertising campaigns across media types (television, outdoor, websites, apps, etc.) do not need to use in-app purchase. These apps are intended for campaign management purposes and do not display the advertisements themselves. Digital purchases for content that is experienced or consumed in an app, including buying advertisements to display in the same app (such as sales of “boosts” for posts in a social media app) must use in-app purchase.”

Last week, Apple announced that developers can now submit their apps to the App Store supporting iOS 16.1.