Apple has begun to allow the addition of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency based applications back into its AppStore and recently reintroduced the Blockchain wallet to the iPhone.
In an interesting and odd move, Apple has rearranged its application policies allowing for more risk oriented based apps to be made available on the AppStore. With its upcoming update to iOS 8 is would seem Apple is ripping out a page from Google’s book and is giving developers more access to system files and UI.
The newly reintroduced BTC wallet brings with it 1.9 million registered users and is also available via the web and Android’s PlayStore.
BlockChain was removed back in February 2014 and until then boasted over 120,000 app downloads. Being the last remaining outlet for BTC users with iDevices, the removal from the AppStore caused a stir, resulting in many a testimonial on social media regarding Apple’s ban. One user for example took a video of him taking a rifle to the phone while another smashed his iPhone with a sledgehammer.
No official reason as to why Apple took such a harsh stance against Bitcoin based applications at the time. Some believe the Big A felt it would create a conflict of interest given the rumors of an upcoming payment system, while others believe it was due to the negative press Bitcoin was attracting prior to their decision.
BlockChain marks the second re-arrival to the AppStore since the policies have been eased. BTC payment startup Gliph released its app back into the AppStore last week on July 22nd.
