Apple Refuses to Exempt NFTs From App Store’s 30% Fee

Apple on NFT

Apple restricted several NFT functionalities in an update to its review policies for digital storefronts. According to the current App Store Review Guidelines, iOS applications cannot employ NFTs to unlock exclusive in-app features or content.

With this action, Apple is better able to control in-app purchases. Platform developers that earn more than $1 million per year must pay Apple 30% of their earnings; NFTs avoid this tax.

Apple’s app guidelines

“Apps may use in-app purchase to sell and sell services related to NFTs, such as minting, listing, and transferring. Apps may allow users to view their own NFTs, provided that NFT ownership does not unlock features or functionality within the app”

The news is released as Apple gradually transitions to an immersive future. After announcing intentions in July to limit hiring and budget growth through 2023, Apple is gradually incorporating immersive technologies into its product line. Apple exposed RealityOS's source code with the iOS 16 beta in May. The unveiling of the new Apple RealityOS follows months of persistent rumours, leaks, and patent filings that cast doubt on the existence and timing of a potential Apple mixed reality (MR) headset.

Despite an unclear immersive future, Apple is still a popular tool amongst extended reality (XR) enthusiasts. The latest Apple device comes packed with a powerful LiDAR scanner which accurately gathers 3D data from real-world environments, which enables firms such as Arvizio to adopt iPhones and iPads as compatible devices for its industry 4.0 solutions.

[{"selector":"#anim-de2b2483-1d92-4570-aaee-1b894e1e4ecf","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-28262eb9-f4db-4a6c-ac35-931df7679c2d","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e99d4b46-a496-4ad5-985d-1f787adf013a","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-851af9e9-5a06-4eac-b018-d54eab1d0799","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-83e115e6-3a86-491e-8ce9-9cf04d0641fd","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":1250,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] Share it Share Click to explore

Apple Refuses to Exempt NFTs From App Store’s 30% Fee

Apple on NFT

With this action, Apple is better able to control in-app purchases. Platform developers that earn more than $1 million per year must pay Apple 30% of their earnings; NFTs avoid this tax.

Apple’s app guidelines

Liked this story?