Apple theory about usability depends to Apple as they control what user do with their Apple device as for whether they bring some new features or not allow the user to do some basic things like sharing which Apple don’t things help to protect your iPhone. Somewhat Apple is correct with this theory and also proven that they really think for future stuff.
Now Apple has explicitly banned apps that mine cryptocurrency on its devices, as Apple has updated its Review Guidelines for the App Store. The new bans extend to all Apple platforms.
Apple has already removed Calendar 2 App from Mac App Store in March after the app started to begin mining cryptocurrency on people’s devices in exchange for premium features. It was Apple’s first move against cryptocurrency mining apps. Calendar 2’s developer has said about the removal of the app as it violated an App Store guideline: “Apps should not rapidly drain the battery, generate excessive heat, or put unnecessary strain on device resources.”
Now, Apple has finally come out with an entire section on cryptocurrency in its guidelines that apply to iOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS apps. It sets forth five rules:
- Apple will allow virtual currency wallet apps, as long as they’re offered by developers who are enrolled as organizations.
- The only cryptocurrency mining apps allowed are those that mine outside of the device, like cloud-based mining.
- Apps can help users make pay, trade, or receive cryptocurrency on an approved exchange, but the apps must be from the exchanges themselves.
- Similarly, apps involved in initial coin offerings, bitcoin futures trading, or other cryptocurrency securities trading need to be from the banks, firms, or other approved financial institutions. And they must be lawful.
- Cryptocurrency apps can’t offer users virtual coin for tasks like downloading other apps, getting other users to download the app, or boosting social media activity.
So let see how this rules will change the scenario of cryptocurrency mining app. It is also interesting to see how many apps will likely to get removed from App Store for having secret miners that might have been added through hacks by cybercriminals.
Although the rule only applies to all apps within the App Store, while Mac’s and jailbroken iPhone won’t get any effect with this.
As mobile device is without a solid GPU, so cryptocurrency mining will not possible very efficiently while this only result to stealing the resource from other people devices.
