Apple Eases Crypto App Rules as Bitcoin Mining and Investments Surge in US

Apple’s unexpected shift in App Store policy is sending ripples through the crypto industry, as developers and investors eye a new era of mobile blockchain adoption. Meanwhile, the environmental cost of mining/" onclick="event.preventDefault(); var width = 350; var height = 600; var left = Math.max(0, (window.innerWidth - width) / 2 + window.screenX); var top = Math.max(0, (window.innerHeight - height) / 2 + window.screenY); window.open(this.href, 'newwindow', 'width=' + width + ',height=' + height + ',scrollbars=1,left=' + left + ',top=' + top); return false;">Bitcoin mining in the U.S. is under scrutiny, with fresh data revealing its energy consumption now eclipses that of Los Angeles. As Bitcoin’s price surges and high-profile deals—some with political ties—make headlines, miners are being urged to rethink their financial strategies amid rising trade tensions. Local communities, too, are weighing the promises and pitfalls of new mining projects, highlighting the complex intersection of innovation, regulation, and sustainability in today’s crypto landscape.

Apple's App Store Policy Shift Sparks Optimism for Crypto Adoption

Apple has quietly implemented a significant change in its App Store policies regarding cryptocurrencies, following a U.S. judge's order in the ongoing legal dispute with Epic Games. The ruling mandates that Apple can no longer collect fees on purchases made outside of iOS apps or restrict developers from directing users to external purchasing methods. This change is currently applicable only in the United States, and Apple has stated its intention to appeal the decision.

In response, Apple notified iOS developers that apps on the U.S. storefront are no longer prohibited from including buttons, external links, or other calls to action for browsing crypto-based NFT collections owned by others. The company clarified that the previous prohibition on encouraging users to use purchasing methods other than in-app purchases does not apply on the U.S. storefront.

Crypto developers have welcomed the update, with some predicting it could trigger a surge in Bitcoin and broader crypto market adoption. Phil Kwok, cofounder of the crypto education and rewards app EasyA, commented, “This is big. I can’t tell you the number of times our app’s been flagged for compliance … simply because we mention crypto. This will pave the way for a flood of blockchain adoption.” Wojciech Kulikowski, a software engineer at Farcaster, suggested the relaxed restrictions could lead to a “generational golden consumer crypto bull run,” enabling more experimentation with crypto-native mobile apps that were previously blocked from Apple’s iOS.

A pseudonymous crypto software developer highlighted the financial implications: “Apps can accept crypto payments rather than routing through the Apple app store (with a 30% fee). This is huge for integration with mobile wallets where users can spend their crypto directly (USDC, ETH, SOL, etc) without having to pay extra fees.”

“This is big. I can’t tell you the number of times our app’s been flagged for compliance … simply because we mention crypto. This will pave the way for a flood of blockchain adoption.” — Phil Kwok, EasyA (Forbes)

• Apple’s policy change is currently only in effect in the U.S.
• Developers can now direct users to external crypto payment options.
• Crypto community expects increased adoption and innovation in mobile crypto apps.

Source: Forbes, “‘This Is Big’—Apple Just Quietly Confirmed A ‘Huge’ Bitcoin And Crypto Price Game-Changer”

Summary: Apple’s new App Store policy, prompted by a U.S. court ruling, is expected to significantly boost crypto adoption and innovation by allowing external payment methods and reducing fees for developers and users.

Bitcoin Mining’s Environmental Impact in the U.S. Surpasses Los Angeles’ Power Consumption

A recent study by Harvard University, published in Nature Communications, reveals that Bitcoin mining in the United States now consumes more electricity than the entire city of Los Angeles. The analysis focused on the 34 largest Bitcoin mines in the country, which account for 80% of U.S. Bitcoin mining capacity. Between August 2022 and July 2023, these mines consumed 32.3 terawatt-hours of electricity—33% more than Los Angeles.

The study found that 84% of the electricity used by these mines was generated by fossil fuel power plants. Notably, the environmental impact is not localized; the power plants supplying the mines are often located hundreds of kilometers away, meaning the resulting air pollution affects regions far from the mining sites. Four key pollution hotspots were identified: New York City, Houston, the Illinois-Kentucky border, and northeast Texas. In these areas, about 1.9 million people were exposed to more than 0.1 micrograms per cubic meter of additional fine particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution attributable to Bitcoin mining.

While short-term exposure levels are not expected to cause immediate health concerns, the researchers warn that long-term exposure could lead to increased rates of asthma, respiratory diseases, cardiac events, hospitalization, and premature mortality. The study also notes that Bitcoin mining operations have doubled since August 2022, and as mining becomes more energy-intensive, the environmental and health impacts are likely to grow.

“We need to think about the social value of Bitcoin. Not all data centers have the same social value, and we might be less willing to tolerate air pollution from some types of data centers in the future.” — Scott Delaney, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health (IEEE Spectrum)

• Bitcoin mining’s energy use in the U.S. exceeds that of a major city.
• Most energy comes from fossil fuels, increasing air pollution.
• Pollution hotspots are far from mining sites, affecting millions.
• Long-term health risks include respiratory and cardiac diseases.

Source: IEEE Spectrum, “Bitcoin Mining's Outsized Impact on the U.S. Grid”

Summary: Bitcoin mining in the U.S. now uses more electricity than Los Angeles, with most energy sourced from fossil fuels, leading to widespread air pollution and potential long-term health risks for millions.

Trump-Linked Crypto Firm Secures $2 Billion Deal as Bitcoin Surges

A 30% rally from April lows has propelled Bitcoin to its highest level since late February, with the price topping $97,000. In parallel, Binance and MGX have reportedly selected the Trump-backed World Liberty Financial to facilitate a $2 billion investment deal. This development comes as major players like Strategy and Metaplanet announce plans to raise substantial funds to acquire more Bitcoin.

Eric Trump announced the stablecoin win for World Liberty Financial, highlighting the growing intersection between politics and the crypto industry. Meanwhile, Strategy missed earnings but increased its Bitcoin acquisition target, reflecting confidence in the asset’s continued appreciation. The recent surge in Bitcoin’s price has also stimulated activity in related markets, with Coinbase stock vaulting past key levels and Cantor plotting a $3.6 billion crypto venture.

• Bitcoin price rallied 30% from April lows, reaching over $97,000.
• World Liberty Financial, backed by Trump, tapped for a $2 billion deal with Binance and MGX.
• Strategy and Metaplanet plan to raise significant funds to buy more Bitcoin.
• Coinbase and other crypto-related stocks see increased activity amid the rally.

Source: Investor's Business Daily, “Trump Crypto Firm Tapped For $2 Billion Deal; Strategy, Metaplanet To Add Bitcoin”

Summary: Bitcoin’s price surge has coincided with a $2 billion deal involving a Trump-backed crypto firm, while major companies ramp up their Bitcoin acquisition strategies, signaling robust institutional interest in the cryptocurrency market.

Bitcoin Miners Urged to Use Loans Instead of Selling BTC Amid Trade Tensions

John Glover, Chief Investment Officer at Bitcoin lending firm Ledn, has advised Bitcoin mining companies to hold onto their mined Bitcoin and use it as collateral for fiat-denominated loans to cover operating expenses. This approach, he argues, allows miners to benefit from potential price appreciation, defer taxes, and generate additional revenue by lending out their Bitcoin holdings.

The advice comes at a time when the Bitcoin mining industry faces increased competition and rising capital costs, exacerbated by U.S. President Trump’s trade tariffs. These tariffs have raised concerns that import duties will make mining equipment, such as ASICs, more expensive and potentially unsustainable for some operators. In March 2025, mining firms collectively sold over 40% of their mined supply, marking the highest monthly Bitcoin liquidation among miners since October 2024, according to TheMinerMag.

• Miners are encouraged to use Bitcoin-backed loans instead of selling BTC.
• Benefits include price appreciation, tax deferment, and extra revenue from lending.
• Trade tariffs are increasing the cost of mining equipment.
• March 2025 saw a 40% sell-off of mined Bitcoin, the highest since October 2024.

Source: Cointelegraph, “Bitcoin miners should pay costs in depreciating currency — Ledn exec”

Summary: Amid rising costs and trade tensions, Bitcoin miners are advised to leverage loans backed by their Bitcoin holdings rather than selling, to maximize long-term gains and manage operational expenses.

Proposed Bitcoin Mining Facility in Mountain City Raises Local Concerns

A proposed large-scale Bitcoin mining facility by Nevada-based CleanSpark in Mountain City, Tennessee, has sparked both excitement and apprehension among local residents. While the company promises job creation and economic growth, community members are worried about the environmental impact, increased utility costs, and potential disruption to the rural character of Johnson County.

The facility, planned near a suburbanized area off Highway 421, would operate around the clock, relying on energy-intensive computing to validate Bitcoin transactions. Residents have voiced concerns about noise, resource strain, and lack of transparency in the decision-making process. Mayor Jerry Jordan has announced plans to visit one of CleanSpark’s existing facilities in Norcross, Georgia, to better understand the implications before making a final decision. Community members are requesting that the council postpone or cancel the upcoming meeting to allow for a thorough evaluation of the risks.

• CleanSpark proposes a large-scale Bitcoin mining facility in Mountain City, TN.
• Residents fear environmental impact, higher utility costs, and noise pollution.
• Mayor and town leaders plan to tour a similar facility before deciding.
• Community calls for more transparency and risk assessment.

Source: WCYB, “Proposed Bitcoin mining facility in Mountain City generates buzz and concern”

Summary: The proposed Bitcoin mining operation in Mountain City has generated debate over its potential economic benefits versus environmental and community risks, with local leaders seeking more information before proceeding.

Einschätzung der Redaktion

Apple’s policy shift marks a pivotal moment for the crypto industry, as it removes a longstanding barrier to mainstream adoption on one of the world’s most influential mobile platforms. By allowing external payment links and crypto-based transactions, Apple is not only opening the door for greater innovation among developers but also signaling a broader acceptance of decentralized finance within the established tech ecosystem. This move could accelerate the integration of blockchain technology into everyday consumer experiences, foster competition among payment providers, and reduce the dominance of traditional app store fee structures. However, the U.S.-only scope and Apple’s intent to appeal highlight ongoing regulatory and legal uncertainties that may shape the global impact of this decision. If upheld and expanded, this policy could fundamentally alter the landscape for mobile crypto applications and set a precedent for other major platforms.

• Apple’s decision is a catalyst for crypto innovation and mainstream adoption.
• Reduced fees and new payment options may disrupt established app store economics.
• Legal and regulatory outcomes will determine the long-term global significance.

Sources:

• ‘This Is Big’—Apple Just Quietly Confirmed A ‘Huge’ Bitcoin And Crypto Price Game-Changer
• Bitcoin Mining's Outsized Impact on the U.S. Grid
• Trump Crypto Firm Tapped For $2 Billion Deal; Strategy, Metaplanet To Add Bitcoin
• Fidelity Calls It: Bitcoin Could Flip Gold’s Dominance Any Day Now
• Bitcoin miners should pay costs in depreciating currency — Ledn exec
• Proposed Bitcoin mining facility in Mountain City generates buzz and concern