Apple Is Temporarily Withdrawing the MetaMask App Store
MetaMask was removed from the Apple App Store for several hours on October 14, reigniting fears of legal trouble with Big Tech.
The Ethereum wallet MetaMask was taken offline by Apple’s App Store for several hours on October 14, sparking fears about its removal allowed to arise. The wallet connects to a variety of decentralized Web3 apps (DApps). MetaMask claims to have over 30 million users around the world.
On October 14th it was reported that MetaMask would no longer appear in the App Store. Apple users were also unable to download MetaMask from the website.
A MetaMask spokesperson said the issue is not related to malicious activity or security incidents:
We understand that MetaMask’s app store is currently unavailable. This issue has nothing to do with malicious activity. Our team of dedicated professionals is working hard to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. This does not pose a security concern and users do not need to take any action. It also has nothing to do with the app functionality.”
Apple’s policies could be the cause of the disappearance. According to the marketplace’s guidelines, apps are not allowed to perform “independent background processing” such as cryptocurrency mining.
MetaMask claims that the removal of their app was temporary. A spokesperson stated that MetaMask would soon be available on the App Store again. She added that fake MetaMask applications in the App Store must be reported immediately.
MetaMask is once again facing challenges from big tech marketplaces. In December 2019, MetaMask was suspended from Google Play for allegedly violating the company’s financial services policies. Google cited a policy banning cryptocurrency mining on mobile phones and rejected MetaMask’s request to lift the ban.
Apple’s policies require app developers to share 30% of transaction revenue. Apple’s 30% tax is also a barrier for crypto firms that want iOS users to be able to purchase non-fungible tokens.
