Blockchain returns to the iOS App Store with an improved version of its wallet app for users of Apple’s iPhone and iPad.
Following the news when Apple removed Bitcoin wallet app from iOS App Store in January, the popular bitcoin wallet application Blockchain relaunches today.
Blockchain, a popular bitcoin wallet provider, Blockchain bitcoin wallets are available on desktop computers and Android devices, and now has the company has reinstated its iOS wallet, hoping to bring the bitcoin users around the world.
Before Apple banned all cryptocurrency transaction apps from its iOS App Store in the beginning of this year, Blockchain bitcoin wallet was the most downloaded one for iOS devices. Moreover, Blockchain is currently the most popular bitcoin wallet in the world having more than 1.9 million users.
The bitcoin community will be most likely happy to hear the Blockchain’s announcement, taking into account that it protested loudly against at Apple’s removal.
Nevertheless, a new policy was introduced at the Worldwide Developer’s Conference in the beginning of summer, paving the way for bitcoin wallets and other apps that transact using cryptocurrencies.
Since that announcement, the App Store has added several bitcoin apps, such as an unofficial wallet for Coinbase users, a service that lets connected users send each other bitcoins via messages. However, Blockchain is the first of the big bitcoin wallet providers to offer wallet services on iOS since early 2014.
Nicolas Cary, Blockchain’s CEO, said:
“The moment Apple signalled a shift in their policy toward digital currency apps, we pulled the iOS project off the shelf and got to work. We wanted to use this as an opportunity to improve the wallet, but we were still apprehensive about dedicating huge amounts of engineering time because it wasn’t clear what types of apps would get through the submission and approval process.”
He also added: “Working with Apple has been quick and easy, and we really appreciate their thoughtful guidance – it’s a partnership we really value.”
Blockchain’s app allows the exchange of bitcoins between wallets, and also IPad and iPhone users will be able to make purchases from the merchants that accept bitcoin. The list includes such major retailers as Overstock, DISH, Expedia and, most recently, Dell.
In addition, the CEO said that Blockchain has improved the security and performance of its app. Nicolas Cary added:
“The app strikes a strong balance between functionality and security. At Blockchain, we always believe in putting users firmly in control of their funds and that hasn’t changed with the new iOS wallet. You’ll also find a new security PIN screen and we have updated the default miners’ fee when sending transactions.
According to Mr. Cary the new wallet for iOS will be available for downloads from the App Store today, adding:
“We invite bitcoin enthusiasts everywhere to give it a try. We’re looking forward to adding exciting new functionality going forward, including the very popular Merchant Map from our Android Wallet. Stay tuned for lots of updates.”
Moreover, he further explained that the app return to App Store is hugely important for bitcoin community. With the release of the app, the millions of iOS users all over the world will now have the ability to experience bitcoin first-hand:
“Furthermore, this confirms that Apple is welcoming back the development community to invest, build, and create bitcoin apps again.”
Konstantin has always been at the forefront of the global virtual currency scene since first discovering cryptocurrencies the same year that Satoshi Nakomoto created bitcoin in 2009. Konstantin is the owner of a number of small businesses in trucking and mobile development, and co-founded CoinSpeaker in 2014. He graduated from Belarusian State University in 2009 with a degree in Mathematics and Mechanics. You can contact Konstantin via [email protected]
