Apple may finally green-light BitCoin apps
In what looks like a turnaround, App Store guidelines now say apps "may facilitate transmission of approved virtual currencies."
Apple looks to be reversing its strict stance against the use of Bitcoin and other digital-currency apps in its App Store.
The tech giant updated the "purchasing and currencies" section of its App Store review guidelines on Monday to say apps "may facilitate transmission of approved virtual currencies."
This is a big turnaround for Apple. The company has been pulling Bitcoin wallet apps from its App Store over the past few months. The app Blockchain was removed from the store in February with reportedly "no explanation." The app allowed Bitcoin owners to store the digital currency and use it for purchases where possible.
Now with its updated App Store policies, Apple's guidelines state: "Apps may facilitate transmission of approved virtual currencies provided that they do so in compliance with all state and federal laws for the territories in which the app functions."
It's unclear what exactly "approved" means for Apple. CNET contacted the company for more information and we'll update the story when we hear back.
The changes to its review guidelines weren't Apple's only App Store change on Monday. The company also announced that it is adding several new search features to its store designed to help people find apps more easily. These new search features will appear on the App Store in the fall.