This Monday, Apple updated its digital storefront review guidelines to ban certain NFT functions. The App Store Review Guidelines now state that iOS applications cannot use NFTs to unlock unique in-app functions or content.
The move enables Apple to keep a tighter grip on in-app purchases. Apple takes 30 percent of the revenue from platform developers who make over $1 million, and NFTs circumvent this fee.
Although, the guideline explains that iOS applications may still operate related NFT processes like minting, listing, and transferring. The move also stops users from paying for NFT goods using cryptocurrency as Apple wishes to keep traditional payment methods.
According to 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”
Additionally, Apple iOS developers cannot create in-app buttons, external links, or other calls to action which circumnavigate the new guidelines. Instead, Apple wishes its users to buy goods via official in-app purchases.
Immersive iOS
The news comes as Apple slowly moves towards an immersive future. Following July’s plans to restrict hiring and budgeting growth for 2023, Apple is carefully integrating immersive features into its product portfolio. In May, Apple leaked RealityOS within the iOS 16 beta source code.
Realityo Systems LLC, the firm behind the immersive OS, also trademarked the name under the US Patent and Trademark Office in early June. In December 2021, the firm also filed patents for technology which included immersive “peripherals,” “software,” and “wearable computer hardware.”
The new Apple RealityOS comes following consistent rumours, leaks, and patents that paint an unclear picture of a potential Apple mixed reality (MR) headset and when it would release.
Reports claim that Apple’s MR device could come out later this year or in 2023. Additionally, Apple’s recent technology patents include a massive range of tech, from biometrics to unique MR interfaces and built-in air-conditioning.
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.
On the consumer side, global smart glasses manufacturer Nreal launched on iOS in September following Apple’s announcement of the iPhone 14. After the announcement, Nreal sold out of its iPhone adapter in just 24 hours, showcasing a massive customer demand for XR on Apple devices.
