Apple’s New NFT Policy Sparks Controversy

Key Takeaways

• Apple has updated its App Store policy to allow certain apps featuring non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
• The policy only permits NFTs without in-app functionality and disallows redirection to external services.
• The updated policy has received mixed reactions from the tech and cryptocurrency community.

Recent changes to Apple’s NFT policy have sown division within the crypto and tech communities.

Apple Updates NFT Policy

Apple’s NFT policy is generating controversy.

On Oct. 24, Apple updated its App Store guidelines to change its policy around non-fungible tokens or NFTs.

The new policy explicitly allows app developers “to sell [non-fungible tokens] and sell services related to [NFTs].” This means that apps can allow the “minting, listing, and transferring” of NFTs in-app.

An enormous caveat is that the policy does not permit the sale of “utility” NFTs. App developers cannot allow users to unlock in-app functions or features with NFTs, nor can they redirect users to external buying mechanisms.

These limitations will likely be detrimental to blockchain-based games that use NFTs. However, it is not apparent that such apps have a large presence in the first place, as querying its app store only returns nine NFT apps.

Apple initially began to support NFTs in late September, when it was criticized for relying on its payment mechanism. This approach means that Apple adds a 30% tax on NFT sales in high-revenue apps—a policy that applies to other apps with transactions.

Reactions Have Been Mixed

Reaction to the new policy has been mixed. Some have acknowledged Apple’s policy positively, with headlines from Forbes and Game Developer highlighting that the new store policy explicitly accommodates NFTs.

Others have criticized Apple for its policy's restrictive nature and seemingly excessive 30% cut.

Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, has criticized both sides by arguing that Apple is neither for nor against NFTs but rather is motivated solely by money. “They support NFTs they tax and ban NFTs they don’t tax,” Sweeney observed.

Some have noted that Apple’s restrictive NFT policy is not unique. Bryan Ross, a staff software engineer at Docker, noted the absurdity of Apple introducing “the same in-app purchase rules that other apps have to, and watching the whole [tech] sphere meltdown in response.”

Yat Siu, a blockchain-focused gaming company Animoca Brands co-founder, suggested that Apple’s restrictions are only possible because of its current dominance. He argued that the economic opportunity of blockchain gaming will become “so weighty, like an open market,” that Apple will “eventually capitulate.”

Today’s news comes alongside an FCA discussion concerning Big Tech and its impact on retail finance. Those discussions aim to create a pro-competitive approach in those markets.

Though not specifically related to Apple’s NFT policy, the discussion could lead to future regulatory changes, impacting Apple’s NFTs and payments policies.

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