They simply took a closer look at the feature, and found that it clearly violates one of their rules for monetization (which is that tips associated directly with content must use in-app purchase).
This does happen. Most people don’t realize that a number of years back there was a large outcry at the length of app review times. They fixed it, and I’m pretty sure that was partially by not looking as closely at everything an update does.
I don’t think anyone should infer there’s any prejudice towards bitcoin or that there’s going to be any wider look at BTC-oriented apps. Many folks definitely seem to be drawing the wrong conclusions here IMO, from what I’ve seen in the last week.
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> it clearly violates one of their rules for monetization (which is that tips associated directly with content must use in-app purchase)
This is the assessment where I disagree.
Tips are *not* associated with purchasing, selling, or receiving content (damus has not implemented e.g. content paywall/similar functionality).
> If you want to unlock features or functionality within your app, (by way of example: subscriptions, in-game currencies, game levels, access to premium content, or unlocking a full version), you must use in-app purchase
There are *no* unlock mechanisms.
> Apps may not use their own mechanisms to unlock content or functionality, such as license keys, augmented reality markers, QR codes, cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency wallets, etc. Apps and their metadata may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase, except as set forth in 3.1.3(a).
There are *no* unlock, or purchasing mechanisms.
Apple must understand there is a double standard applied in the case of Damus.
If you ban voluntary peer to peer tips, Apple must also ban venmo, and zelle.