The digital economy just hit a major milestone. In a landmark ruling, Apple has lost a critical legal battle against Epic Games—one that paves the way for crypto payments to finally go mainstream on mobile platforms. This decision, delivered by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in early May 2025, marks a seismic shift in how developers can handle in-app transactions, especially those involving digital assets like XRP, blockchain apps, and NFT marketplaces.
For years, Apple’s App Store policies have enforced a strict 30% commission (later reduced to 27% for certain developers) on all digital purchases, effectively blocking external payment methods—including cryptocurrency. But now, that control is being dismantled by court order.
👉 Discover how this game-changing ruling unlocks new financial freedom for app developers and users.
Court Orders Apple to Allow External Payment Options
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple violated the terms of a 2021 injunction designed to promote fair competition in app distribution and payment processing. Her decision mandates that Apple must immediately stop interfering with developers’ ability to inform users about alternative payment methods outside the App Store—including crypto payments.
This means developers can now:
- Direct users to external websites where they can pay with cryptocurrencies like XRP
- Avoid Apple’s steep 27% commission fee on digital goods
- Eliminate misleading “scare screens” Apple previously used to deter users from leaving its payment ecosystem
The implications are profound. For the first time, blockchain-based apps, decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, and crypto gaming ecosystems can operate more freely on iOS—without being penalized for using native digital currencies.
“Apple’s continued attempts to interfere with competition will not be tolerated.”
— Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers
This isn’t just a win for Epic Games—it’s a victory for innovation, user choice, and the broader crypto adoption movement.
Why This Ruling Is a Game-Changer for XRP and Blockchain Apps
Cryptocurrencies built for fast, low-cost transactions—like XRP—stand to benefit significantly from this new openness. Historically, integrating XRP into iOS apps was risky; Apple could reject or remove apps facilitating off-App Store payments. Now, that barrier is gone.
Developers of:
- Crypto wallets
- NFT marketplaces
- Web3 games
- Decentralized exchanges (DEXs)
...can now openly guide users to web-based platforms where they can transact using XRP or other digital assets—without fear of censorship or financial penalty from Apple.
Crypto analyst Xaif hailed the decision as transformative:
“Huge win for crypto industry, especially for assets like XRP.”
The ruling aligns perfectly with growing demand for financial sovereignty. As more consumers seek alternatives to traditional banking systems, the ability to use crypto payments directly within mobile apps becomes not just convenient—but essential.
👉 See how top blockchain projects are preparing to integrate crypto payments post-ruling.
What This Means for Mobile Gaming and NFTs
Mobile gaming is one of the largest digital markets in the world—and also one of the most restricted under Apple’s old policies. With Epic Games leading the charge, we’re likely to see a wave of innovation in crypto-powered gaming economies.
Tim Sweeney, CEO of Epic Games, wasted no time celebrating the outcome:
“NO FEES on web transactions. Game over for the Apple Tax.”
Epic has already announced plans to allow developers on its store to:
- Create external webshops
- Offer in-game items via out-of-app purchases
- Accept cryptocurrency payments without intermediaries
This opens the door for true ownership models—where players buy NFT-based skins, characters, or land using XRP or stablecoins, and retain full control over their digital assets.
Imagine buying a rare avatar in a mobile game using XRP, then selling it on a third-party marketplace—all without paying a 27% cut to Apple. That future is now legally possible.
Apple’s Appeal Won’t Stop Immediate Changes
While Apple has filed an appeal, the court’s order remains in effect during the appeals process. This means developers can begin implementing external payment systems immediately.
Apple released a statement expressing disagreement:
“We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court’s order and we will appeal.”
But compliance is mandatory. The company can no longer block links to external payment pages or punish developers who inform users about cheaper, crypto-based alternatives.
This interim period could become a testing ground for mass-market crypto payment integration. Early adopters may gain significant user loyalty by offering lower prices through fee-free blockchain transactions.
The Road Ahead: Crypto Payments Go Mainstream
This ruling doesn’t just affect one company or app—it reshapes the entire mobile economy. Here’s what we can expect in the months ahead:
1. Surge in Web3 App Innovation
With fewer restrictions, startups and established players alike will accelerate development of blockchain-powered apps. Expect to see:
- More XRP-integrated payment gateways
- Native support for wallet connectivity (e.g., WalletConnect)
- Cross-platform NFT interoperability
2. Greater User Control and Lower Costs
Consumers will benefit from:
- Reduced prices (due to eliminated platform fees)
- More payment choices, including crypto
- Transparent transaction tracking via blockchain
3. Regulatory Scrutiny May Follow
As crypto payments grow in popularity, regulators may step in to ensure consumer protection, anti-money laundering (AML) compliance, and tax reporting standards are met. However, this case sets a strong precedent for payment freedom.
👉 Stay ahead of the curve—learn how to start using crypto for everyday mobile purchases today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does this mean all apps can now accept crypto payments?
A: Yes—developers can now legally direct users to external websites where crypto payments are accepted. They cannot process crypto transactions directly within the app via Apple’s system, but they can link out to web-based checkout flows.
Q: Is XRP specifically mentioned in the ruling?
A: No, the ruling applies broadly to all external payment methods. However, XRP and similar fast, low-cost cryptocurrencies are ideally suited to take advantage of this new flexibility.
Q: Can Apple still ban crypto apps entirely?
A: Not easily. As long as apps comply with content guidelines, Apple cannot block them solely for promoting external crypto transactions—a key point reinforced by the court.
Q: Will Google make similar changes on Android?
A: While Android already allows more flexible payment options, this ruling may pressure Google to further loosen Play Store restrictions, especially regarding fees and communication about alternative payments.
Q: How does this affect NFT marketplaces?
A: Major positive impact. NFT platforms can now guide iOS users to their websites to mint, buy, or sell digital collectibles using crypto—without losing a large portion of revenue to platform fees.
Q: When did this ruling take effect?
A: The decision was issued in early May 2025 and takes immediate effect, even during Apple’s appeal process.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Digital Transactions
Apple’s loss is the crypto world’s gain. This ruling breaks down monopolistic barriers and ushers in a new era of open digital commerce—one where blockchain, XRP, and decentralized finance can thrive on the world’s most popular mobile operating system.
Developers now have the green light to innovate freely. Users gain more control over their money and digital assets. And cryptocurrencies like XRP are positioned to become real-world tools for everyday transactions—not just speculative investments.
The message is clear: crypto payments are no longer fringe—they’re going mainstream.
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