Apple has quietly expanded its list of approved cryptocurrencies for iOS apps, adding three more altcoins to its whitelist. According to Anthony Di Iorio, CEO of the multi-cryptocurrency wallet Jaxx, the tech giant now permits apps to handle nine different digital currencies in total. The newly added tokens are Lisk, Steem, and Digicash.
Background: From Six to Nine
Previously, Apple had sanctioned six cryptocurrencies for use within iOS applications: Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, The DAO token, and Ripple. The decision to add three more was confirmed on September 12, 2016, after Di Iorio held a detailed conversation with Apple representatives. He told the press: “On Monday we learned that Apple permits apps using nine specific digital currencies, critical information to the crypto community. At Jaxx, we’ve been committed to supporting a global blockchain ecosystem. Every day our developers work to build a consistent infrastructure across blockchains and across platforms.”
Jaxx Wallet Thrives Amid Policy Shifts
Jaxx, launched in June 2016, has quickly become a popular choice among cryptocurrency enthusiasts, boasting over 40,000 users. The wallet supports multiple blockchains and platforms, including desktop, Android, and browser extensions. Di Iorio emphasized the importance of Apple’s transparency: “The insight we have gleaned from Apple thus far has been invaluable, and we hope to learn more about Apple’s policies and procedures for blockchain in the near future.”
Which Cryptocurrencies Are Still Left Out?
Notably, Dash and Ethereum Classic remain absent from Apple’s approved list. The Jaxx team assured that users of these tokens can still access them on Android devices, as well as through Google Chrome and Firefox extensions. The Dash community expressed frustration, especially since Apple had previously approved the now-defunct DAO token while excluding Dash. This perceived inconsistency led to a parody video on the YouTube show “Dash Detailed,” mocking Apple’s decision-making process.
Apple’s Mixed Signals on Crypto
Apple’s stance on cryptocurrencies has been anything but consistent. On one hand, the company has embraced Bitcoin by allowing integration of the Circle payment app into iOS 10’s iMessage platform, enabling peer-to-peer bitcoin transfers directly within Apple’s native messaging service. This move was widely applauded by the Bitcoin community. On the other hand, around the same time, Apple removed the popular ShapeShift app from the App Store without clear explanation. ShapeShift urged iOS users to access its platform via mobile web browsers while it worked on a solution to return to the store.
For third-party wallet providers like Jaxx, understanding Apple’s criteria for approving or removing coins is critical. As Di Iorio noted, the industry is eager for more clarity. The crypto community will undoubtedly watch closely to see which digital assets Apple accepts next—and which ones might get delisted.