“Apple Inc. changed its policy to let software developers include virtual-currency transactions in their applications, paving the way for new forms of money like bitcoin to appear on iPhones and iPads,” Olga Kharif reports for Bloomberg.
“While Apple didn’t mention bitcoin specifically, its developer terms now allow for certain ‘approved virtual currencies,’ without saying what those were. Apps that use the digital money must comply with state and federal laws wherever they’re designed to work, the terms say,” Kharif reports. “The change signals that Apple is warming up to virtual currencies after previously blocking programs like Blockchain.info from its App Store. Bitcoin is the most popular digital currencies, which governments are struggling to determine how to regulate because they exist only as software.”
“While bitcoin and other virtual currencies still aren’t used by many retailers and service providers, they are gaining acceptance. Last month, satellite TV provider Dish Network Corp. said it will soon begin accepting bitcoin payments from subscribers,” Kharif reports. “Getting access to iPhones could help increase bitcoin’s use, as Apple is the top U.S. smartphone manufacturer, with a 41 percent average share of the market in the three months ending in March, according to ComScore Inc.”
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