Apple wants to get a share of the sale of NFTs in the App Store

Until now, Mansana he decided to stay away from everything related to the NFT and the world of cryptocurrencies. However, the most recent update to the App Store rules makes it clear that Cupertino they also want their share of the non-fungible token trading..

Yesterday, the California-based company published a list of changes and additions to the guidelines that applications that want to appear in the App Store must comply with. And the one that got the most attention indicates that all transactions made with NFTs will need to be processed through its in-app purchase system.

This means that applications that sell NFTs they will have to pay Apple a commission of up to 30%. Something that is not only limited to the buying and selling of these digital assets, but also their “generation, listing and transfer”. But that’s not all, as Apple doesn’t want to mention possible external purchases, nor that token ownership serves to unlock additional features in apps.

“Apps may allow users to view their own NFTs, provided that owning the NFT does not unlock features or functionality within the app. Apps may allow users to view 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 recommendations from Apple in the App Store for apps that sell NFTs.

Apple’s decision causes mixed feelings. On the one hand, it is not surprising that he is trying to customize the mechanisms of the applications included in the App Store, given that this iron politics which he has been practicing for years. But what’s striking is that it took Tim Cook’s leaders so long to define these new guidelines, given that the NFT hype has dwindled considerably.

Apple wants a piece of what NFT generates in the App Store

Bloomberg informs that the trading volume of non-fungible tokens it’s down 97% since its peak in January. Thus, the amount of money moving in this market is much lower than before, no matter how large some amounts may remain.

Of course, Apple claims that its policy of not allowing external payment methods on the App Store is to protect its users’ information. However, this not only brought him a slap in the face from the regulatory authorities, but also several rather lengthy legal battles. In this last case litigation with Epic Games is already a well-known story.

Actually, Tim Sweeneyresearch director after Fortnite, did not hesitate to file charges against Apple after updating the App Store rules. “For crypto enthusiasts, this means that Apple is now adding a 30% tax on the so-called “true ownership” of digital goods. For crypto skeptics, this shows that Apple is only motivated by money.” recognize NFTs that can be taxed and ban those that can’t.” tweeted.

While in another tweet he added: “It is shocking that in the face of antitrust lawsuits and much stricter scrutiny by legislators and regulators, Apple is doubling down on its brazen pursuit of monopoly rent.”