On April 30 (yesterday) - a federal judge ruled that Apple violated a 2021 injunction by continuing to block iOS apps from linking to external payment pages—unless developers gave up a 27% cut.

That’s done now.

Apple is no longer allowed to stop apps from directing users to outside payment methods. No more “you can’t link to your website.” No more 30% tax on your revenue. For crypto builders, this is a green light.

Stablecoins just got a real shot at becoming native to the iOS experience.

Until now, Apple’s grip on payments made it impossible for crypto to operate cleanly on mobile. Devs couldn’t point users to a USDC checkout. Coinbase had to remove NFT transfers from its wallet. Everything had to route through Apple’s system, which is expensive, clunky, and hostile to on-chain logic.

But this ruling changes the equation.

Apps can now link out to stablecoin-based checkouts with no Apple cut. That means USDC, PYUSD, or any other dollar-pegged token can be used for in-app purchases, subscriptions, digital goods, or creator payments—without giving up 30% of the transaction.

It’s not just about lower fees. It’s about control.

This opens the door for crypto-native commerce inside apps: mini-apps that charge in stablecoins, token-gated content, direct creator payments, in-game assets, NFT mints, even tipping. And all of it can now happen on a web checkout outside Apple’s walled garden.

That’s a huge unlock.

If you're a crypto builder, this ruling gives you a path to retain more revenue and provide better UX. You can now offer one-click stablecoin payments without waiting for Apple to play nice.

For users, this means lower prices, faster payments, and fewer hoops. Stablecoins settle instantly and cost pennies to send. If the apps they already use start offering cheaper options outside the App Store, a lot of people will click through.

It’s how adoption starts—by being cheaper, faster, and more aligned with user and developer incentives.

Apple is appealing the ruling, but the judge also referred them for a potential contempt charge. That’s not a slap on the wrist—it’s the court saying, “you’re ignoring us and we’re watching.”

On top of that, Apple is already under pressure from regulators in the US and EU for anticompetitive behavior, especially around crypto and payments. This ruling adds fuel.

The takeaway is simple: if you're building consumer crypto products, especially anything that involves payments or value transfer, this is your moment. Build the external checkout. Enable stablecoin payments. Ship now.

Stablecoins are finally mobile-native.

And Apple can’t stop it anymore.