AppleInsider:
New developer guidelines released during WWDC set new rules for cryptocurrency apps distributed through both the iOS and Mac App Stores.
Apple has added new language to its App Store review guidelines related to cryptocurrency. Under the Hardware Compatibility section, Apple now states that “apps, including any third party advertisements displayed within them, may not run unrelated background processes, such as cryptocurrency mining.”
Good that they’re banning mining on the iOS device itself but not other aspects of cryptocurrency.
Serious question, is crypto mining on iOS actually a thing?
If cryptocurrency ever becomes a viable alternative to actual money, then I might be interested, but from what I’ve seen, it’s a game of diminishing returns. But I don’t see why Apple has done this. If people what their battery life to suck camel scrotum, and be able to fry an egg on the back of their phone, well, shouldn’t they have that right? From my objective albeit somewhat ignorant point of view, wouldn’t BOINC or Fold@Home be the same sort of thing? Or do they disallow that also?
The “problem” is that some free apps have used Cryptomining instead of adverts, and haven’t been entirely honest about it. This change bans that.
The “unrelated background processes” suggests to me that a dedicated cryptominer could possibly pass muster…
That.
I don’t see a “ban on cryptocurrency mining”.
I see a ban on “killing my battery and sucking my CPU doing mining on my hardware without my permission and not to my benefit”.
(I am extremely dubious about the cost/benefit analysis for anyone deliberately doing cryptocurrency mining on their own hardware, but that’s their problem to work out.)
Yes, see below.
It’s not “Joe User mining Dogecoin deliberately”.
It’s “app maker X” or “ad network Y” doing background mining on every installed device, without asking or even telling anyone.
Gotcha. I appreciate the insight and I acknowledge the Buddha within.
What other ‘aspects’ would you like to see banned, and what is your rationale?
I think Shawn’s point was that he was glad they’re not banning “using cryptocurrency for payments”, which is the only other meaningful “aspect of cryptocurrency” I can think of.
Ahh, it seems I misread the comment as if he was disappointed that cryptocurrency wasn’t banned entirely.