The Blockchain app, which includes a Bitcoin wallet, has returned to Apple’s App Store.
Apple made headlines back in January when it decided to ban all Bitcoin wallets, as well as many other cryptocurrency-related apps, but last June they re-opened the door in a quiet modification of their terms of service.
Blockchain CEO Nic Cary was skeptical of Apple’s intentions at the time, saying they’d be “resubmitting our app and awaiting approval but we’re not going to hold our breath.”
This announcement is good news to the Bitcoin community, since it opens the market up to iPhone users, who are often interested in tech but until now were unable to hold Bitcoin on their wallet without hacking it.
Apple’s original announcement led to anger and frustration from the Bitcoin community. Some took it a step further, drilling holes in their iPhones or even shooting them.
Blockchain’s Improvements
Blockchain’s new app includes options to allow users to make purchases directly from Bitcoin-accepting merchants, both through online and physical locations.
Blockchain wanted an opportunity to improve their app, so it was rebuilt from scratch. They have more features coming as well, including the merchant map from their Android wallet.
Not The First
Blockchain’s app isn’t the first Bitcoin wallet app to return to the App Store. That honour belongs to CoinJar, who submitted their app almost immediately after the ban was lifted.
Blockchain was in no rush, however, to get back into the App Store. Since Apple’s ban, most Bitcoin companies have focused their attentions elsewhere. On top of this, the Bitcoin world has largely moved away from Apple in favour of more open source, decentralized solutions.
Blockchain’s new app is available as of today on the App Store.
Blockchain's App Is Back In The App Store
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