Apple will shortly pull MetaMask from the App Store.

Ethereum wallet MetaMask went offline on the Apple App Store for several hours on October 14, prompting concern that it might be removed from the marketplace. The wallet is connected to various web 3 decentralized applications (DApps). MetaMask claims to have more than 30 million users worldwide.

On October 14, reports surfaced that the MetaMask app would no longer appear on the App Store. Apple users are unable to download the app from the MetaMask website.

According to a MetaMask spokesperson, the issue is not related to any security issues or malicious activity.

“We are aware that MetaMask is not currently available for download on the App Store. This issue is not related to any malicious activity. Our dedicated team is working hard to resolve it as soon as possible. Importantly, this is not a security risk and requires no consent or action on the part of users. Additionally, It is not related to the functionality of the app.

Apple's service policies may be behind the app's demise. It doesn't allow apps to run “unconnected background processes” like cryptocurrency mining, according to the marketplace's guidelines.

According to MetaMask, the removal of the app was only temporary. “We expect MetaMask to be back on the App Store shortly,” a spokesperson said minutes before the app's relaunch, adding that any fake MetaMask apps on the App Store should be reported immediately.

MetaMask is facing challenges from Big Tech marketplaces for the second time. In December 2019, the company was banned from the Google Play app store for allegedly violating the company's financial services guidelines. Google immediately rejected MetaMask's appeal to reverse the ban, citing its policy of banning cryptocurrency mining on mobile devices.

Apple's guidelines require app developers to share 30% of marketing revenues. For crypto firms that want iOS users to be able to buy non-fungible tokens (NFT), the 30% Apple tax is also a hindrance.

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