After an App Store guideline change earlier this month, it seems that Bitcoin wallet apps are once again welcome on the platform, as noticed by Coindesk. The updated rules said that Apple would allow virtual currency apps if they do not violate any federal laws. Apps like eGift and are now available for download in the App Store.
Albeit merely a wrapper around a web app, Coin Pocket does indeed enable the exchange of Bitcoin from within the app itself. This would have not passed Apple approval just a few weeks prior, as Apple’s previous stance did not allow any app that allowed transfers to take place.
Whether Apple will keep its relaxed position is yet to be seen. Apps like eGifter, at least according to Coindesk, show how Bitcoin apps can avoid the traditional 30% revenue share requirement by accepting purchases in Bitcoin. It’s unclear whether this app actually circumvents the App Store policy, because Apple may interpret ‘gift cards’ as “services used outside the app”. The relevant points of the IAP guidelines are quoted below:
It is very unlikely that Apple will let developers exploit this as a way to avoid the 30% sales cut. Nevertheless, Bitcoin lovers will no doubt appreciate Apple’s new position, with a plethora of fully-functional Bitcoin wallet apps returning to the store in the coming weeks.
Apps utilizing a system other than the In-App Purchase API (IAP) to purchase content, functionality, or services in an App will be rejected
Apps using IAP to purchase physical goods or goods and services used outside of the App will be rejected
Apps that use IAP to purchase credits or other currencies must consume those credits within the App
