Apple exploring crypto with ‘alternative payments’ hire — what we know so far

Apple exploring crypto with 'alternative payments' hire — what we know so far

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Editor's note

Thinking of investing in cryptocurrency? Be conscientious. The crypto market is volatile and you could easily lose coin on it. Null y'all read on Tom's Guide should be taken equally a recommendation that you invest in either a particularly cryptocurrency or the market as a whole.

The thought that iPhones could one twenty-four hours be bought with Bitcoin is probably a way off, but Apple tree is at to the lowest degree exploring cryptocurrency, if a new job list from the visitor is whatsoever indication.

According to the listing, first spotted past CoinDesk, Apple is looking to hire a Business Evolution Manager focused on Alternative Payments to join its Apple Wallets, Payments, and Commerce (WPC) team. And while the Alternative Payments tag is broad, the listing later specifies that Apple tree is looking to hire someone who has feel with "digital wallets, [buy now pay later on], fast payments, cryptocurrency," and other payment options.

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Granted, a chore list that mentions cryptocurrency doesn't necessarily mean that we'll be ownership iPads and AirPods with Bitcoin in the near time to come, or topping upwardly our Candy Crush Saga accounts with Dogecoin via the App Store. But it suggests that Apple is potentially open to partners in the crypto space, which could make information technology easier for developers to deploy their payment and wallet apps on Apple devices.

It is already possible to spend cryptocurrency via Apple Pay and the apply of a BitPay prepaid Mastercard. This tin can exist used for everything from contactless payments via iPhone or Apple tree Lookout to in-app payments on iOS devices. Cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase has teased like impending adoption for its Visa-based Coinbase Card, too.

Nor is this the first fourth dimension that Apple has discussed cryptocurrency: in a 2019 interview, Apple Pay vice president Jennifer Bailey said that the company was "watching cryptocurrency" and added that Apple believes information technology has "interesting long-term potential."

Though there'southward clearly still a long way to get before Apple tree fully opens up to crypto — and information technology may never happen — it would be a large deal if it always did then.

Marketplace volatility and apace changing exchange rates can make it challenging for crypto investors to spend their coins on products and services. Some investors too prefer to go on their holdings in favor of perceived future gains, rather than spending information technology like cash — despite the fact that there's no guarantee their investment won't be wiped out overnight.

However, as cryptocurrency gains wider adoption and mainstream awareness, it is becoming easier for those who wish to spend it to do so. Retailers such equally Overstock and Expedia take Bitcoin for purchases (not Tesla any more, though), and PayPal recently enabled US customers to spend cryptocurrency at whatsoever of its global retail partners. Could Apple 1 day join them? We'll exist watching with involvement to observe out.

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Andrew Hayward is a writer and editor based in Chicago. His work covering tech, crypto, games, and esports has appeared in more than 100 publications around the world, including Polygon, Rolling Stone, Decrypt, and Stuff. He has covered cryptocurrency extensively since 2019, including coins, crypto games, and NFTs, and interviewed many creators and prominent figures in the space. He has also personally invested in several coins and currently holds less than one BTC, ii ETH, and 700 ADA, forth with smaller amounts of other coins.