The tech giant Apple has faced a stinging defeat in a California court, as its ban on outside payments for in-app purchases was ruled unlawful. The decision is a significant win for nonfungible token (NFT) and cryptocurrency projects, as it paves the way for them to add more functionality to their iOS apps.

Apple has long required app developers to use its own in-app payment system, which includes a 30% commission. This policy has been a source of controversy for years, with many developers arguing that it stifles innovation and hinders competition. In recent months, the issue has come to a head as NFT and crypto projects have become increasingly popular, with developers eager to integrate these technologies into their apps.

The court’s decision is likely to have a significant impact on the tech industry, as it sets a precedent for other companies to challenge Apple’s monopoly on in-app payments. It also marks a significant victory for NFT and crypto enthusiasts, who have long struggled to gain a foothold on the iOS platform.

In response to the ruling, Apple released a statement saying it plans to appeal the decision. The company argued that its in-app payment system provides a secure and seamless experience for users, and that it has always been transparent about its policies.

Despite Apple’s objections, the court’s decision is likely to be seen as a major win for proponents of decentralized finance (DeFi) and blockchain technology. These groups have been pushing for greater adoption of crypto and NFTs, arguing that they offer a more transparent and equitable financial system.

The court’s decision also comes at a time when NFTs are experiencing a surge in popularity, with high-profile sales reaching millions of dollars. NFTs are unique digital assets that are stored on a blockchain, making them virtually impossible to replicate or duplicate. They have been used for everything from digital art to music and even real estate.

Many in the crypto community see NFTs as a key driver of blockchain adoption, as they offer a tangible use case for the technology. By allowing developers to integrate NFTs into their iOS apps, Apple could help to drive mainstream adoption of these assets.

The ruling is also likely to have implications for other tech giants, such as Google, which have similar policies around in-app payments. As more companies look to integrate blockchain technology into their apps, they may increasingly turn to decentralized payment systems that bypass traditional gatekeepers like Apple and Google.

Overall, the court’s decision is a major victory for proponents of crypto and NFTs, as it removes a major barrier to innovation on the iOS platform. It remains to be seen how Apple will respond, but the ruling marks a significant step forward for decentralized finance and blockchain technology.