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Updated App Store guidelines suggest possible U-turn on Apple’s ban on Bitcoin apps

Photo: Ariel Zambelich/WIRED

Apple may be planning a reversal of its policy of banning Bitcoin apps from the App Store. Reuters noted that the company has updated its review guidelines to with an admittedly vague statement suggesting that apps dealing in virtual currencies may in future be permitted.

Apps may facilitate transmission of approved virtual currencies provided that they do so in compliance with all state and federal laws for the territories in which the app functions …

Apple had previously rejected or pulled Bitcoin wallet apps from the store, with BitPak and Coinbase among those removed. The last remaining Bitcoin app, Blockchain, was pulled in February, having survived in the App Store for more than two years.

It’s unclear from the wording what the future might hold for virtual currency apps, but it does at least seem one step towards acceptance.

Photo: wired.com

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Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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