In an unexpected turn of events, MetaMask, a widely-used crypto wallet, is no longer available on the Apple App Store as of October 14th. With over 30 million active users globally, the absence of the app from the store is significant and, as yet, unexplained.
MetaMask’s Sudden Removal
Without warning or explanation, MetaMask has vanished from the Apple App Store. This abrupt disappearance mirrors an incident from September of the previous year, when another popular crypto wallet, Trust Wallet, was temporarily and inexplicably removed.
The Trust Wallet incident was not isolated. There have been instances, notably in 2022, when Coinbase faced challenges in launching a wallet application on Apple’s platform. The ongoing issues between the App Store and various digital asset wallet developers have raised concerns and drawn criticism.
Dan Finlay, co-founder of MetaMask, had earlier expressed solidarity with Coinbase in confronting Apple’s App Store policies, particularly criticizing the 30% in-app purchase tax, labeling it an “abuse of monopoly.”
Awaiting Clarity
As of now, neither Apple nor MetaMask have provided an explanation for the app’s removal. The crypto community and MetaMask users are anxiously awaiting a response, reminiscent of the confusion and concern experienced during Trust Wallet’s temporary removal.
