New Apple policy could allow bitcoin payments

Apple has raised the possibility of using iPhones and iPads to perform transactions in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, after a change in the rules by which it approves software for its app store, The Guardian reported.

Until now, the company had gained a reputation for rejecting apps which enabled cryptocurrency transactions, generally citing rules which banned developers from submitting apps which break the law.

The new App Store review guidelines state that "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."

But the guidelines do not specify which virtual currencies are "approved", nor how one goes about getting approval from the company.

Apple did not immediately respond to an email from Reuters seeking more information.

An alternative possibility for the rule change is that the company is expressly allowing "currencies" like the coins used to buy upgrades in free-to-play games. Such payments are already widespread on the App Store, but have no specific rules enabling them.