Apple removes Blockchain.info from AppStore, iOS’s last remaining Bitcoin wallet

Apple Inc. is continuing its tirade against Bitcoin applications and has removed the last remaining Bitcoin wallet from its AppStore, Blockchain.info.

After removing the Coinbase Bitcoin wallet from its store and forcing Gliph to remove its BTC transfer function, Apple has moved against the last remaining Bitcoin wallet available for iOS users. The sudden move created an outcry among Bitcoin enthusiasts, and user responses have flooded the /r/Bitcoin section of Reddit with some calling out to Apple to reinstate the wallet application and others looking for advice on Android handsets due to there being no more choices left for iPhone users.

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According to Blockchain.info, no reason was provided by Apple as to why the application was pulled from the store. Apple’s history with Bitcoin related applications follows a similar pattern of not providing any coherent reasons for banning BTC wallets.

Blockchain.info has posted a message on their website on the recent removal of the application. The statement mentions Blockchain.info’s 2 year history on Apple’s AppStore, with 120,000 downloads, and impeccable user complaint record.

“These actions by Apple once again demonstrate the anti-competitive and capricious nature of the App Store policies that are clearly focused on preserving Apple’s monopoly on payments rather than based on any consideration of the needs and desires of their users. Apple’s censorship of bitcoin applications, especially when view in the context of removing a 2 year app with 120,000 downloads is historic and unprecedented.” Said Blockchain.info’s statement.

When looking for reasons as why Apple would continuously go against Bitcoin applications not many come to mind. Speculations on Apple seeing Bitcoin as a competitor to its own future payment system could be one of the reasons. Given Bitcoin’s not so spotless reputation in the past, some are left to believe Apple feels supporting Bitcoin may affect its “clean” image. With more well known retailers and brands beginning to support the cryptocurrency with adequate success we are left wondering as why Apple is not interested in partaking.