The rise of Web3 applications, or decentralized applications (dApps), has been nothing short of a journey in recent years. From blockchain-based social media platforms to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), the Web3 ecosystem has definitely started to move in a positive direction.
However, as big as the positives are, there have been a few bumps in the road and they don’t seem to be going away anytime soon. With the recent restrictions imposed by some of the biggest tech companies, the future of Web3 apps has come under intense scrutiny and is making the process of launching on app stores harder than expected. Don’t worry, emerging Web3 companies are savvy and quick to adapt feedback.
One of the biggest challenges Web3 applications face is the difficulty of reaching a wider audience. For example, Apple’s App Store has a strict policy that only allows apps that meet its guidelines to be listed, which is more than fair, but unfortunately this has made it difficult for Web3 developers to get their apps in front of iOS. users, limiting their growth potential. Let’s not forget the fact that the App Store also provides additional layers of trust just by having the app there.
Additionally, some of the most innovative and exciting Web3 apps have been completely banned from app stores for security reasons. This has caused huge frustration among Web3 developers, who see these restrictions as a hindrance to their growth.
An example of this is MetaMask, one of the most popular Ethereum-based DeFi wallets. They found themselves pulled from the Google Play Store due to concerns that it could be used to access decentralized financial services and is a security risk. This was in 2019 and has since been resolved, but similar issues are still being experienced today.
Coinbase also ran into difficulties the same way they were denied access to the App Store in 2013, however, this also changed. Still, problems still arise, the most recent being due to a change in the App Store’s guidelines on NFTs. indicating“Apps may allow users to view their own NFTs, provided that NFT ownership does not unlock app features or functionality.”
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As a result, any NFT purchase through the App Store would see a 30% fee deduction, and on top of that, any NFT that was not in-app or purchased in-app would also not be eligible to unlock any incentives. additional or in the app. neither does functionality. However, it’s important to note that since Apple isn’t on the blockchain itself, it’s not something they can help solve, and so it’s more of an unfortunate situation for users that malicious intent.
Another significant challenge faced by Web3 applications are the restrictions imposed by social media platforms. Meta, the social media giant, had restricted advertisements related to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, including NFTs. This has limited the ability of Web3 developers to promote their projects on one of the biggest social media platforms in the world, which eliminates a huge potential audience. Now some of these restrictions have been rolled back by Meta and updated rules have been found here.
However, despite the restrictions faced by Web3 developers, optimism about the future of their technology remains intact, especially with the constant stream of opportunities combined with adaptations in technology and protocols to work around them.
Additionally, the rise of decentralized app stores such as OpenSea and PancakeSwap has given Web3 developers new avenues to reach users. These app stores run on blockchain technology, which allows for a more decentralized and transparent approach to app distribution.
Additionally, the Web3 ecosystem is constantly evolving, with new developments and technologies being introduced all the time. This means that Web3 developers are able to adapt and innovate in the face of challenges, ensuring that their technology remains at the forefront of innovation, while illustrating the bumps in the road as seen below. above.
While restrictions can make it difficult for Web3 applications to grow, the resilience and innovation of Web3 developers means they will find ways to overcome these challenges, as the examples above show. Web3 developers could also seek to partner with emerging companies and technologies to reduce these restrictions, while benefiting and providing a longer-term solution that adds value, especially with integrations as seen with app stores, unfortunately. Web3 education is sorely lacking. Increasing people’s knowledge around Web3 could significantly benefit the community. Not only will developers and start-ups feel safer and more confident, but users will also greatly benefit from navigating the more daunting aspects of the restrictions.
With the rise of decentralized app stores and the continued development of new technologies, the Web3 ecosystem remains a promising and exciting area of innovation. As we move towards a more decentralized and transparent Internet, the potential of Web3 applications will continue to be realized, transforming the way we interact with the digital world, even with obstacles in the way – the only problem is finding the solution. .
Ilias Salvatore is the press correspondent of Trade Flooz – the easy place to buy, trade and track crypto with real-time data and alerts.
This article was published by Cointelegraph Innovation Circle, an vetted organization of senior executives and blockchain technology industry experts who are building the future through the power of connections, collaboration and thought leadership. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Cointelegraph.
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