As one of the largest and most influential companies in the world, Apple is often in line with the latest technology trends. But when it comes to cryptocurrencies, the company is taking its time.
During an interview as part of New York Times DealBook Online Summit, Tim Cook offered his thoughts on the digital currency currently valued at over $ 60,000 for Bitcoin. On the one hand, he is an investor. He said the cryptocurrency is "interesting" and thinks "it is reasonable to own it as part of a diversified portfolio."
However, speaking as CEO, he said that Apple is "looking" to incorporate cryptocurrencies into Apple Pay, but has no "immediate plans" to support the payment. Furthermore, he "(is) not planning in the immediate future to take crypto for our products as a means of bidding."
Adding cryptocurrencies as a form of payment within Apple Pay would be a big step for Apple. While Apple Pay is compatible with some cryptocurrencies, it works through third-party credit cards such as Coinbase, which first converts all cryptocurrencies to US dollars. You can also download third-party apps to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other popular currencies. PayPal It also allows users to buy one of the four types of cryptocurrencies in its application.
However, those solutions are more alternatives than integrations, and they are not the same as allowing users to buy things with Bitcoin on Apple Pay. Support for Bitcoin or Ethereum would allow users to select their crypto account as an option, like their Apple Card or another credit card, to pay for things at places that accept the digital currency.
However, Cook definitely left the door open for support. He said cryptocurrency is one of the "things we're definitely looking at" for Apple Pay and was coy when pressed for details. When asked "Like what?" after his comment, Cook laughed, "As if I have nothing to announce today."
Michael Simon has been covering Apple since the iPod was the iWalk. His obsession with technology dates back to his first PC: the IBM Thinkpad with the lift-up keyboard to change the drive. Still waiting for that to come back in style tbh.
