The Apple ad represents the interest in cryptocurrency for “alternative payments” jobs

Apple has noted a growing interest in cryptocurrencies as it seeks new talent for splitting its payments.

The iPhone manufacturer hires a business development manager to make “alternative payments”, including cryptocurrencies, according to a job advertisement published this week.

The incumbent, who will sit in the same group as Apple Pay and iPhone’s Wallet app at Cupertino’s headquarters, accuses him of making new deals with “alternative strategic payment partners.”

The qualifications required by the announcement include several years of experience in cryptocurrency, as well as other fast-growing forms of payment, such as “buy now, pay later” services.

Possible rental Apple is quietly preparing to help make payments with Bitcoin through its Wallet app, the iPhone’s main store of digital cards, tickets and vouchers.

App Store list in fact, Coinbase, one of the largest crypto exchanges, is now showing that it supports Apple Wallet, although details have yet to be revealed on how the integration will work.

Coinbase website it only says “it doesn’t currently support Apple Pay, but we hope to give cryptocurrencies a faster and more secure way to give iOS users soon.”

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the hiring announcement, which it reported for the first time Coindesk. Coinbase did not comment on Apple Wallet’s integration plans.

Crypto fans quickly took up the job as a sign that Silicon Valley, the most valuable company, was preparing for a deeper movement for payments through bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Analysts at RBC Capital Markets said in a research note in February that Apple had a “clear option” in cryptography, making it easier and safer for individuals to buy and sell digital assets. The company has extensive experience in payments made through Apple Pay, launched in 2014, and a credit card of the same brand, which debuted in 2019.

Jennifer Bailey, who runs Apple Pay, said two years ago that the iPhone maker was “seeing” the cryptocurrency. “We think it has interesting long-term potential,” Bailey reported CNN event.

But Apple has received criticism in the past – including Coinbase CEOs – for refusing to make other alternative payments through bitcoin and Apple Pay and the App Store.

In 2013, he banned cryptographic wallets from the iPhone, threw Coinbase and several similar apps out of the App Store, though he later refused the policy.

Epic Games, which Apple has taken to court because of its monopolistic control over the App Store. he argued in his lawsuit, Apple’s “anti-competitive behavior eliminates all of these alternative innovation and payment options,” such as bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.