From Blockchain-based Social Media to NFTs: Exploring the Challenges of Web3 Apps
• Web3 apps are facing difficulty reaching a wider audience due to App Store restrictions
• Apple’s App Store has strict guidelines that can make it difficult for Web3 developers to get their apps listed
• MetaMask and Coinbase have experienced difficulties in the past when trying to get access to the app store
The Growing Challenges Facing Web3 Apps
The rise of Web3 apps, or decentralized applications (dApps), has been nothing short of a journey in recent years. From blockchain-based social media platforms to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), the Web3 ecosystem has definitely started moving in a positive direction. However, as great as the positives are, there have been some bumps on the road and they don’t seem to be going away anytime soon.
App Store Restrictions Limiting Reach
With the recent restrictions imposed by some of the biggest tech companies, the future of Web3 apps has come under scrutiny and is making the process of launching on the app stores more difficult than anticipated. One of the biggest challenges Web3 apps are facing is the difficulty of reaching a wider audience. For example, Apple’s App Store has a strict policy that only allows apps that meet its guidelines to be listed, which is more than fair, but sadly as a result, this has made it difficult for Web3 developers to get their apps in front of iOS users, limiting their growth potential. Let’s not skip past the fact that the App Store also provides added layers of trust just by having the app on there.
Banned Apps & Security Concerns
Furthermore, some of the most innovative and exciting Web3 apps have been banned from app stores altogether due to security reasons. This has caused huge frustration among Web 3 developers, who see these restrictions as a roadblock to their growth. MetaMask, one of the most popular Ethereum-based DeFi wallets is an example; they found themselves being removed from Google Play Store due to concerns that it could be used for accessing decentralized financial services and posed security risks back in 2019 – though this was later resolved. Similarly Coinbase had experienced similar difficulties when denied access from Apple’s App store back in 2013 – yet again later resolved after adapting feedback from customers and users alike.
Recent Changes To NFT Policy
Yet there are still issues occurring with Apple’s App store today; most recently with NFTs where they stated: “Apps may allow users to view their own NFTs provided that NFT ownership does not unlock features or functionality within an app.” Such changes have led web3 developers questioning how this will affect them long term if these regulations remain unchanged or worsen over time?
Adapting To The Future Of Decentralized Applications
It’s clear web 3 developers need to be savvy and quick adapt feedback given by such tech giants as Google & Apple if they wish for success within ever changing times ahead – however at present we can only wait with anticipation for what comes next!
