Orchid releases iOS app in Apple app store with in-app purchases

Decentralized virtual private network (VPN) Orchid provider released its iOS app in the Apple app store which includes the ability to purchase OXT directly from the app. The previous process required acquiring OXT and ETH, installing a web3 browser, running smart contracts, and transferring a private key.

In-app purchases are currently only supported in the iOS app and soon will support Android as well.

Why it matters:

• While crypto-native users may already have a crypto wallet and ETH ready to go, most users will not and this is a significant friction point. Removing these requirements while still providing all the same functionality is what crypto products need to do in order to obtain substantial user growth.
• The current architecture necessitates that accounts run on pre-paid bandwidth (similar to gift cards) and users aren’t able to withdraw their funds. While a potential point of friction, this is similar to how most mobile data plans work today.