Apple’s iOS 10 update includes Circle in its iMessages messaging application.
In an attempt to keep up with competitor’s chat applications, Apple has given developers the go ahead t integrate Circle, the bitcoin payment platform into iMessages in the upcoming update. This shows that Apple has realized that the modernization of its products are going to have to include cryptocurrency in some way.
Apple has shown us that they haven’t been a big fan of the unavoidable cryptocurrency integration. One example is when Apple asked Jaxx Blockchain Wallet to remove Dash support from their iOS app. They also blocked bitcoin applications from the store, only to allow them later down the road. Ethereum wallet apps were treated the same way earlier this year.
This integration of Circle as a third party to iMessages is expected to allow users to execute instant transactions from within the chat application. CEO of Circle Financial released this statement:
“Integration of Circle into iMessages reduces friction…There’s a hurdle to have to install a smartphone app so that I can pay my buddy and all the inputting and setup. To do it all within the iMessages app is a lot easier.”
The new update is still in beta testing. It will be available September 13th, 2016. iPhone 5, 6th gen. iPod Touch, iPad mini 2, iPad 4th gen., iPad Airs, and iPad pros and newer will be able to use the update. The new iMessages update will also support stickers, animations, and other features closely resembling WeChat, Line, BBM, Facebook messenger, and other chat applications.
Apply has increasingly started to follow its competitors by opening up SDKs to third party developers. The company announced the launch of its latest iPhones yesterday, with screen sizes close to the Samsung line up of Galaxies.
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