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Apple Embracing NFTS? The latest App Store Review Guide

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The 30% premium model remains the same, ensuring NFT-related transactions take place within the iOS ecosystem.

By Daniel Mason, Operating Partner, Framework Ventures

0x214, BlockBeats

On October 24th, Apple updated the overseas App Store Review Guideline and added the NFT and cryptocurrency related rules in 3.1.1.

Apps can use in-app purchases (IAP) for sales and NFT-related services such as casting, booking and transfer. Apps may allow users to view their NFTS, but NFT ownership does not unlock specific properties or functions within the App. The App allows users to browse collections of NFTS owned by others. In addition To IAP, the App must not include any mechanism to direct users to purchase, such as buttons, external links, and other Call To Action (CTA).

Starting in 2017, when an App is available on Apple's App Store to offer paid virtual goods or services, it must use the Apple Pay system for in-app purchases, from which Apple will take a 15% to 30% Apple Fee. The update is the first time Apple has set rules for NFTS, and it marks a gradual opening up of Apple's acceptance of NFTS and cryptocurrencies. But instead of breaking Apple's high cut model, Apple wants to make sure NFTS are published, crafted, and traded within Apple's iOS ecosystem.

Daniel Mason, Operating partner at Framework Ventures, discussed the update in his personal social media post, which BlockBeats has edited and translated:

今日，苹果发布了针对加密应用程序（尤其是 Web3 游戏）在 App Store 的审核新规则。苹果在 NFT、加密和支付方式领域的立场将对行业产生重大影响。

After a preliminary reading of the relevant information, I have sorted out the key points, my personal understanding, potential beneficiaries, and those whose interests are infringed.

Players can buy NFTS in the game, but they still pay in IAP.

这是重磅消息之一。开发者可以利用 IAP（30% Apple Fee）出售 NFT 或提供 NFT 服务（铸造、挂单、转让）。对于移动端玩家而言，NFT 将成为他们进入加密世界的大门。

There is still no way to use payment methods other than Iaps, and no way to direct users to other payment pages.

苹果希望把钱保留在自己的生态系统中。想上架 App Store，App 就不能采取其他支付方式，包括按钮、外部链接或其他 CTA……。这就让其他供应商很难从中分一杯羹。

NFT/ crypto assets cannot be used to unlock features.

Premium additional content or features within the App must be unlocked through IAP. I'm guessing direct IAP purchases of NFTS (which unlock additional content), but not NFTS that are already held by users or imported from another ecosystem.

Games can store virtual currency.

Games can provide wallets to store crypto assets. Although Apple did not elaborate, it is expected that both managed and unmanaged wallets will work.

Compliant trading platforms can facilitate crypto asset transfers.

This is more of a clarification, since Coinbase and other platforms already have iOS apps. Apple now says that only approved trading platforms can facilitate crypto transmission. Note that Apple does not include NFTS as "crypto" in this rule.

So what's the point?

First, Apple has shown a desire to work with encrypted apps, especially games, but has demanded that its terms be adhered to.

其次，苹果想要赚钱。通过启用 IAP NFT 购买、禁止外部链接以及将可替代加密资产购买限制在合规交易平台之内，这规避了部分竞争。

Whose interests will be compromised?

Anyone who wants to compete with Apple in the primary and secondary NFT markets includes NFT trading platforms (like OpenSea and Magic Eden), crypto payment platforms (like Moonpay), and others trying to participate in the payment process.

And mobile DeFi products of compliance trading platform.