Apple may allow bitcoin apps in the App Store again

Apple has included a new rule in the terms and conditions for allowing apps in its App Store that allows virtual currency software if it is legally allowed in a certain region. This opens the door to the return of bitcoin apps.

Until now, Apple has had a zero tolerance policy towards applications that trade bitcoins or other virtual currencies. For example, the company has removed bitcoin apps from its software store several times because such apps do not comply with the legal rules. Apple was criticized for this, with critics arguing, among other things, that the iPhone manufacturer was afraid of missing out on revenue if, for example, bitcoin payments would take off.

Apple now appears to be opening the door to bitcoin apps and other software that allow access to virtual currency flows: The company has added a rule to the App Store eligibility requirements stating that apps that allow allowed virtual currencies to be traded are permitted, provided that these apps fully comply with all local and federal laws and regulations.

It is still unclear whether Apple has already listed or will put bitcoin and other virtual currencies on a list of approved cryptocurrencies. A company like Gliph, which has developed a payment and chat app, is eager to be included in the App Store, but it states that based on this new condition, it is far from certain that they will get the green light. Apple does seem to want to draw up clearer rules of the game, where the company gave little or no explanation when removing bitcoin apps.