Cryptocurrency
Apple Pay Now Allows Fiat-to-Crypto Purchases via Coinbase
2024-12-03
Just over three years ago, the possibility of Apple Pay accepting cryptocurrency was brought to the forefront. During an interview at The New York Times 2021 DealBook Online Summit, Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that they were indeed looking into it. Since then, the cryptocurrency market has experienced significant fluctuations. The crypto winter of 2022 led to a major decimation, with prominent stablecoins crashing and crypto lending companies going bankrupt. However, fast forward to November 2024, and Bitcoin hit new record highs following Donald Trump's electoral win, fueling hopes of a loosening of restrictions and regulations in the industry.
Now, Just Weeks Away from 2025
There is some notable movement regarding Apple's payment service integrating cryptocurrency. Coinbase has successfully integrated Apple Pay into one of its products, significantly speeding up the process of purchasing cryptocurrency. As Coinbase announced on their website, "Today, we're excited to announce the launch of Apple Pay for all fiat-to-crypto purchases via Coinbase Onramp, the easiest tool to build onramps into your existing products."Coinbase Onramp and Apple Pay
In the world of cryptocurrency, an onramp is a crucial service that enables users to convert fiat currency, such as US dollars from their bank accounts, into cryptocurrency within their crypto wallets. By integrating Apple Pay into Coinbase Onramp, Coinbase is opening up a new avenue for third-party developers. This integration allows them to incorporate Apple Pay into other crypto wallets as well. It means that Apple Pay is not only accessible directly through Coinbase but also through any existing product that utilizes Coinbase Onramp.Using Coinbase Onramp, developers can navigate around some of the lengthy legal requirements that typically apply to those running financial products. Since the conversions take place through Coinbase, it simplifies the process and provides a more seamless experience for users.Apple's Stance on Cryptocurrency
As pointed out by TechCrunch, Apple has a long-standing history of maintaining a certain distance from cryptocurrency as a whole. In 2019, Apple made it clear that it would not allow customers to use its newly launched Apple Card credit card for purchasing crypto. However, in light of recent events, it seems that Apple may be gradually softening its stance. While Apple Pay can now be used to convert fiat currency into cryptocurrency via Coinbase Onramp, it is important to note that users still cannot sell their crypto and convert it back into cash directly through Apple Pay. At least, not for now. There is a possibility that Apple will continue to maintain a certain level of separation from the cryptocurrency industry.It is clear that the cryptocurrency landscape is constantly evolving, and Apple's potential integration with Apple Pay is a significant development. As we move closer to 2025, it will be interesting to see how this integration unfolds and what impact it will have on the cryptocurrency market and Apple's overall ecosystem.