Coinbase and Apple Team Up: Buy Crypto with Apple Pay

In a groundbreaking move, Coinbase has announced its integration with Apple Pay, making it easier than ever for users to buy cryptocurrency directly within apps. This feature, part of Coinbase Onramp, allows app developers to embed Apple Pay functionality, enabling seamless conversion of traditional currencies like USD into cryptocurrencies without extra fees or complex steps.

Apple Warms to Crypto: A Shift in Strategy?

This integration signals a potential change in Apple’s rocky relationship with crypto. Once known for banning crypto-related apps and blocking NFT functionalities, Apple now seems to be embracing the industry cautiously.

The timing is notable: With President-elect Donald Trump promising a crypto-friendly administration, Bitcoin prices have surged close to $100,000. Meanwhile, SEC Chair Gary Gensler has announced plans to step down, potentially easing the regulatory environment for crypto companies.

Apple’s partnership with Coinbase marks a dramatic shift from its earlier stance. In 2019, Apple barred its credit card from being used for crypto purchases and removed several major crypto exchanges from its App Store.

From Critic to Collaborator

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong has been vocal about Apple’s restrictive policies in the past. In 2022, he accused Apple of hindering innovation in the crypto space, even suggesting potential antitrust issues. Now, the tide seems to be turning.

Apple CEO Tim Cook’s past comments about owning crypto himself hinted at a personal interest, but his reluctance to involve Apple heavily in the sector kept the company at arm’s length. This new integration suggests a shift, bringing Apple closer to the rapidly expanding world of digital assets.

A Game-Changer for Crypto Accessibility

For crypto enthusiasts, this is more than just a new feature — it’s a sign of mainstream adoption. With Apple’s massive user base and Coinbase’s ease of use, the barrier to entry for crypto investment has never been lower.

As the crypto world braces for a more supportive political and regulatory climate, could this be the beginning of a broader embrace of blockchain technology by tech giants like Apple?

Coinbase and Apple Team Up: Buy Crypto with Apple Pay was originally published in The Capital on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.