Tech giant Apple remains adamant about its controversial stance on NFTs and is responding to it with updated App Store policies.
According to Apple Insider, Apple released its updated NFT review policies on Monday.
NFTs can exist in App Store’s apps but cannot unlock additional features or content.
The guidelines
Per the policy, apps can use in-app purchases to sell NFTs and NFT-related services, such as:
- Minting
- Listing
- Transferring
“Apps may allow users to view their own NFTs, provided that NFT ownership does not unlock features of functionality within the app,” the guidelines read.
How it affects users
Apple’s policies are likely to discourage users from purchasing NFTs.
NFTs typically unlock token-gated content such as NFT Moonbirds and NFT Bored Ape Yacht Club.
NFT holders get exclusive access to merchandise, various communication channels and other benefits.
Developers will not have the authority to create buttons, external links, or calls to action that indicate how users can navigate the App Store to purchase NFT via other platforms.
Instead, the App Store wants users to make in-app purchases.
They are also not allowed to pay in cryptocurrencies.
The importance of the guidelines
App Store Review Guidelines tell developers what they can and cannot publish to the App Store.
If they violate the guidelines, Apple will reject or remove the apps.
Apple announced that it would take a 30% cut of all NFTs sold in apps offered through its App Store in the past.
The new update coincides with its previous announcement.
Last month, the news disappointed Tim Sweeney, the CEO of Epic Games and a crypto enthusiast.
He said Apple should be stopped because its decision crushed “nascent technology” that could rival its overpriced in-app payment service.
Other notes
Besides NFTs, Apple is changing some of its language regarding cryptocurrency exchange apps on the App Store.
“Apps may facilitate transactions or transmissions of cryptocurrency on an approved exchange,” the guidelines wrote.
“Provided they are offered only in countries or regions where the app has appropriate licensing and permissions to provide a cryptocurrency exchange.”
Reference:
Apple bans using NFTs to unlock content, features in apps
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