It is a sad day for fans of BRAVE Browser and BAT Token on iOS.
Today, Brave released version 1.22 of the iOS App, and it removes the BAT rewards and tipping functionality within the mobile interface. This update does not affect Android or Desktop versions of Brave.
The problems arose when iOS 14 released, Apple deemed that Brave Rewards was not compliant with their guidelines 3.1.1 and 3.2.2, and required immediate remedies.
Apple’s guideline 3.1.1 prevents apps from allowing users to give to, or tip a person, company, or service — unless what is given is purchased via an Apple in-app purchase.
Guideline 3.2.2 prevents something loosely termed “tasks for cash.” The principle of this guideline aims to prevent apps from asking users to give them a 5 star rating in return for points or access levels in a game, for example. Though this example was never the case with Brave, the Apple review team likened the opt-in viewing of Brave Ads, and in return the earning of BAT rewards, as “tasks for cash.”
If you are thinking you can skip the update or downgrade back to the old Brave 1.21, the tokens won't transfer, and tipping will be unavailable, so the rewards will go nowhere.
Let's hope that Apple and their various suits relating to their App Store "monopoly" bring BAT Token back to the iOS Brave Browser. Until then we will just have to wait.
What do you think about the future of BAT and Brave with 45% of smartphone users using iOS devices?
