Until now, Manzana he had chosen to stay out of anything related to NFTs and the world of cryptocurrencies. However, the most recent update to guidelines of the App Store makes it clear that those from Cupertino they also want their share of non-fungible token trading.
Yesterday, the Californian company published a list of modifications and additions to the guidelines that applications that want to appear in the App Store must comply with. And the one that has drawn the most attention indicates that all transactions made with NFTs will have to be processed through its in-app purchase system.
This means that apps that sell NFTs they will have to pay Apple a commission of up to 30%. Something that is not limited only to the actions of buying and selling these digital assets, but also to their “generation, listing and transfer”. But that is not all, since those of the apple do not want references to possible external purchases, nor that the possession of the tokens serves to unlock extra functions in the applications.
“Apps may allow users to view their own NFTs, provided ownership of the NFT does not unlock features or functions within the app. Apps may allow users to browse collections of NFTs owned by others, provided they do not include buttons, external links or other calls to action that direct customers to acquisition mechanisms other than in-app purchases.”
New guidelines from Apple in the App Store for applications that sell NFTs.
Apple’s decision generates mixed feelings. On the one hand, it is not surprising that it tries to adjust the mechanisms of the applications that are part of the App Store, considering that it is an iron policy which he has been practicing for years. But what is striking is that those led by Tim Cook have taken so long to define these new guidelines, considering that the furor over NFTs has deflated considerably.
Apple wants to take a portion of what NFTs generate in the App Store
Bloomberg reports that the trading volume of non-fungible tokens it has plummeted 97% since its January peak. Therefore, the amount of money moving in this market is substantially lower than it used to be, regardless of how large some sums may continue to be.
Of course, Apple maintains that its policy of not allowing external payment methods in the App Store seeks to protect the information of its users. However, this has not only earned him a slap on the wrist from regulators, but also some pretty lengthy legal battles. On this last case, the litigation with Epic Games is already known history.
In fact, Tim SweneyCEO of the study after Fortnite, did not hesitate to charge against Apple after updating its App Store guidelines. “For crypto enthusiasts, this means that Apple is now adding a 30% tax on the so-called “true ownership” of digital goods. For crypto naysayers, this shows that Apple is only motivated by money.” As for digital items, they admit NFTs that can be taxed, and ban those that can’t,” tweeted.
While in another tweet he added: “It is quite shocking that, in the face of antitrust lawsuits and much greater legislative and regulatory scrutiny, Apple is doubling down on blatantly seeking monopoly rent.”