On October 14, 2023, Apple temporarily removed MetaMask, a popular Ethereum wallet and gateway to decentralized applications (DApps), from its App Store. This unexpected move raised concerns among users and highlighted the persistent challenges faced by crypto-related apps within the realm of Big Tech. This blog will explore the reasons behind MetaMask's removal and the implications it carries.
The Removal Cause: MetaMask's absence from the App Store was not a result of a security breach or malicious activity; instead, it was related to Apple's service policies. The guidelines of the tech giant prohibit apps from running "unrelated background processes," including cryptocurrency mining, to uphold the security and integrity of its platform.
Consequently, MetaMask, a tool that enables users to access DApps and manage Ethereum-based assets, briefly disappeared from the App Store. This raised concerns about its future availability, given its significance in the crypto and Web3 space.
Reassurance from MetaMask: In response to the removal, MetaMask issued a statement to allay concerns. They assured users that this incident did not pose a security threat and that there was no compromise to users' assets or functionality. The dedicated team at MetaMask was actively addressing the issue to restore the app to the App Store promptly.
The spokesperson emphasized that users didn't need to take any action in response to this temporary removal; it was a technical matter related to Apple's policies, not a breach or a threat to user accounts. This reassurance was crucial in maintaining trust among the app's 30 million users worldwide.
Big Tech Challenges: The removal of MetaMask from the App Store underscored the ongoing challenges that crypto-related apps face in Big Tech marketplaces. This wasn't the first time MetaMask encountered such issues. In December 2019, Google Play suspended MetaMask from its app store, alleging a violation of financial services guidelines and citing a policy against cryptocurrency mining on mobile devices. Despite MetaMask's appeal, Google upheld the suspension.
Apple's guidelines also pose challenges for crypto firms, notably the requirement for app developers to share 30% of transaction revenues with Apple. For crypto-related businesses, especially those dealing with non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that want to cater to iOS users, this "Apple tax" has been a contentious issue.
