Why Has Apple App Store Removed MetaMask, a Crypto and NFT Wallet? Understanding the Situation

MetaMask Crypto Wallet Removed from Apple App Store

Reports have confirmed that MetaMask, a popular crypto and non-fungible token (NFT) wallet, has been removed from the Apple App Store without any explanation from Apple. This surprising development was highlighted by WatcherGuru, a renowned crypto news platform, in a blog post on October 14.

BREAKING: MetaMask has been removed from the Apple App Store.

— Watcher.Guru (@WatcherGuru) October 14, 2023

MetaMask is a software crypto wallet launched in 2016 that allows users to interact with the Ethereum blockchain. It is available as a browser extension or mobile app and is widely used with over 30 million monthly active users. The MetaMask browser extension is especially valuable for crypto gamers, developers, and newcomers to the blockchain space.

MetaMask’s Removal: Deliberate or Technical Error?

This isn’t the first time an NFT and crypto wallet has been suspended from the Apple App Store. Trust Wallet faced a similar situation in September last year but was reinstated after a month. For MetaMask, it remains uncertain whether its removal was intentional or a technical mistake.

In the past, Coinbase encountered difficulties releasing its wallet application on the Apple App Store due to Apple’s 30% in-app purchase tax. MetaMask also faced a suspension by the Google Play App Store in December 2019, citing a policy against mobile mining, which MetaMask does not engage in.

In the last week, the MetaMask Android client was suspended by the Google Play App Store @googleplaydev. They cited their policy that bans mining on mobile, which we don’t. Appeal rejected. #ProtectWeb3.https://t.co/rfP4EbOAqv!?zippy_activeEl=cryptocurrencies%23cryptocurrencies

— MetaMask 🦊🫰 (@MetaMask) December 26, 2019

Hot Take: The Uncertain Fate of MetaMask on Apple’s App Store

The removal of MetaMask from the Apple App Store has left the crypto community puzzled. While similar suspensions have occurred in the past, it remains unclear whether this was a deliberate action or an unintended mistake. The absence of any explanation from Apple only adds to the mystery surrounding MetaMask’s fate on the App Store.