Bitcoin Payments Threaten to Remove Damus App From Apple’s App Store

Tech giant Apple has faced criticism for its high App Store fees, especially regarding Web3 apps. Damus, a company that introduced a Bitcoin tipping feature, experienced Apple’s displeasure when the feature failed to include the tech giant.

Web3 apps can circumvent the App Store’s fees and moderation. By leveraging Web3 technology’s decentralized nature, these apps can explore alternative distribution channels and platforms.

This allows them to operate independently without Apple’s restrictions. This workaround opens up new possibilities for Web3 developers and users, fostering innovation and autonomy in the evolving digital landscape.

Damus Threatened By Apple Over BTC Tipping Feature

Damus is an innovative decentralized social network that harnesses Jack Dorsey’s Nostr protocol. One of the standout features of this platform is the integration of “zaps,” a Bitcoin payment mechanism backed by the Lightning Network. These zaps empower users to tip content creators on Nostr client sites effortlessly.

By leveraging Lightning technology, Damus revolutionizes how users support and appreciate content creators in the digital realm. With Zaps, Damus paves the way for a new era of decentralized social networking. This is where users can directly contribute to the success and sustainability of the creative community.

In an email exchange with the App Store moderators, Damus was notified that zaps, a feature in the app, violated Apple’s payment guidelines. The correspondence clearly outlined that Damus had a deadline of 14 days to submit an updated and compliant version of the app. Failure to do so would result in removal from the App Store. This development put Damus in a race against time to rectify the issue and ensure continued availability for their app’s users.

Zaps provide a clever workaround by circumventing Apple’s 30% fee on in-app purchases, effectively preventing the tech giant from taking a slice of the payment pie.

Web3 Apps, Tech Giants, and Apple Fees Stir Controversy

Apple’s App Store policies have ignited intense debates and criticism from tech giants and crypto and Web3 companies. Notably, Elon Musk and Spotify have raised objections to Apple’s perceived unfair fees that disadvantage their competitors.

Moreover, the crypto industry has been vocal about its discontent with Apple’s policies. A significant point of contention arose when Apple introduced a new policy in 2022, imposing a 30% fee on all NFT sales.

This decision prompted Coinbase, a prominent exchange, to accuse Apple of hindering the update of its digital wallet until it agreed to surrender a 30% portion of NFT sales. These disputes highlight the ongoing clash between Apple’s policies and the evolving digital innovation landscape.

In an era where tax evasion remains a concern, the emergence of Axie Infinity’s lite version on the App Store serves as a testament to the resilience of crypto gaming companies in navigating the financial landscape.

Is there a Way to Run Web3 Apps like Damus on Apple’s iOS?

According to users, the crypto community wasn’t surprised by Apple’s perceived negative decision, as the company’s clear policies had been evident in the past. However, some users remained hopeful, discussing potential workarounds that could allow them to continue running Web3 apps on their iOS devices. 

When deciding to stick to their current operating system or explore alternatives, users can turn to Progressive Web Applications (PWAs) as a viable solution.

These web applications offer the best of both worlds, emulating the experience of native apps while offering a user-friendly interface and offline capabilities. With PWAs, users can install these apps directly on their home screen, eliminating the need for App Store approval.

An excellent example is Wormhole, a web app designed for sharing large encrypted files, which opted for an exclusive web release, providing convenience and accessibility to its users.

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