Brian Armstrong accuses Apple of hampering the crypto industry

Coinbase chief Brian Armstrong has criticised Apple for blocking decentralized apps from the App Store. He said that all attempts to resolve the problem with the company’s leadership and through official channels had failed.

In the wake of other companies struggling with Apple’s App Store restrictions, I want to share a bit about Coinbase’s own struggle here.

— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) September 11, 2020

Armstrong said Apple blocks apps that enable users to earn cryptocurrency or provide a list of DeFi apps in the App Store. This directly affected Coinbase Earn, the educational service where users receive small sums for completing tasks.

“Although the restrictions are purportedly intended to protect customers, I increasingly feel they also shield Apple from competition,” wrote the Coinbase chief.

He urged Apple to “stop stifling innovation in the cryptocurrency space.” The exchange’s team plans to file a formal request with the company.

Recently Apple announced a way for developers to suggest updates to the App Store policies. Our team is planning to submit a formal request for Apple to allow its users to earn crypto and see a list of decentralized finance apps. We’ll keep you updated on what we hear back.

— Brian Armstrong (@brian_armstrong) September 11, 2020

One of Armstrong’s Twitter followers noted that he doesn’t see the problem:

“85.4% of the mobile phone market is dominated by Android and the @Google Play Store. Why bother fighting with @Apple if Play store and Android is superior, in tech and in worldwide market share.
85% of your customers have no problem.

— Research Omega (ARO) (@research_omega) September 12, 2020

Earlier Coinbase said it could remove the DApp Browser from its mobile wallet to comply with the App Store policy. Armstrong acknowledged that Apple was excluding the use of decentralized applications from its store.

In September, the Coinbase CEO confirmed plans to launch the IEO platform Coinbase Launch. According to Armstrong, it could help unlock the potential of the cryptocurrency economy.

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