The Android app store seems to have a more open policy than Apple's.
In a major move, Google Play announced on July 12 that it has expanded its Android app store rules to accommodate new blockchain content, albeit the rules are fairly strict.
The announcement states that the updated policy will “open up new ways to trade blockchain-based digital content in apps and games.” The post specifically suggests that apps on the store will take advantage of user-owned content and NFT rewards. Google Play also said it worked closely with its partners to develop the new policy.
While the new policy will purportedly increase opportunities for blockchain app developers, it also imposes strict requirements that developers must publicly declare whenever their apps allow users to purchase or earn cryptocurrencies and blockchain assets.
Google’s updated policy also prohibits developers from advertising or “glorifying” potential revenue directly related to these assets. In addition, the purchase, sale, and trading of blockchain assets must be conducted through regulated exchanges and comply with local regulations in any region where the application is available.
The updated policy also imposes specific restrictions on apps that include non-fungible tokens (NFTs). Apps that use NFTs must register as gambling, gaming, and competition apps, or otherwise avoid exchanging NFTs for money altogether.
The store also explicitly prohibits cryptocurrency mining apps on devices, although it allows apps that can be used to remotely manage cryptocurrency mining.
Google Play and Apple policy competition
Despite the strict rules, several industry insiders believe that Google Play's new policy is a necessary framework to provide key guidance to developers. Google cited executives from Mythical Games and Reddit as saying that they recognized the policy update as a beneficial move.
Google Play's main competitor, the Apple App Store, instituted new rules in October 2022. The controversial policy requires NFT transactions to be conducted through Apple's own methods, which effectively guarantees the company a 30% cut of every transaction.
Apple’s policies make it difficult for certain blockchain applications to exist more broadly on the store. Uniswap’s mobile app landed on the Apple App Store in April 2023, having been rejected months earlier. Meanwhile, Lightning Network-linked social media app Damus removed certain trading features after facing a delisting threat in June.
It remains to be seen whether Google's seemingly more open policies will attract app developers or force Apple to revise its own policies.