On October 14th, a brief removal of the MetaMask from the Apple App Store caused a stir among cryptocurrency enthusiasts, prompting concerns about the future accessibility of the app on the iOS platform.
The MetaMask app, boasting a user base exceeding 30 million globally, was conspicuously absent from the Apple App Store for several hours. Additionally, Apple users found that they could not download the application directly from MetaMask's website during this period.
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While the exact reason behind the app's removal remains unclear, it appears that Apple's service guidelines might have played a role. Apple's rules explicitly disallow apps from running "unrelated background processes," like crypto mining.
This has been a significant consideration for developers in the cryptocurrency space, considering that Apple also takes a 30% cut of transaction revenues. The "Apple tax" poses an additional hurdle for crypto firms looking to facilitate purchases of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) on iOS devices.
A MetaMask spokesperson addressed the situation, indicating that no security risk or malicious activity was involved.
We’re aware that MetaMask isn’t currently available for download on the App Store. This issue is unrelated to any malicious activity. Our dedicated team is working diligently to resolve it as quickly as possible. Importantly, this is not a security concern, and there is no compromise or action required on users’ part. Additionally, it’s not related to the app’s functionality.
The MetaMask app was readded to the Apple App Store within a few hours. A MetaMask spokesperson added, shortly before the app's reappearance, "We anticipate that MetaMask will be back on the App Store shortly," urging users to report any imitation apps.
The temporary removal was not an isolated issue for MetaMask, as it has previously encountered friction with major tech platforms. In December 2019, MetaMask was suspended from Google Play's app store for allegedly breaching financial services guidelines.
While the episode ended without a major crisis, it did underscore the vulnerability of cryptocurrency applications to the policies of major tech marketplaces.
