An Open Letter To Tim Cook: Why Bitcoin Can Revive Apple's Legacy

2023-10-17 19:00

Apple, you gained the world’s largest market capitalization because you dared think differently. So when you decided to shut down zaps on Damus it came as a shock to someone who always appreciated Apple’s rebel spirit. Removing zaps from the iOS store does not stop me from zapping. It just makes me zap in a web browser instead. Reconsider what zaps can do for your business so you don’t miss the forest for the trees.

https://primal.net/e/note1m99khmn94j5rnwftzcjn2lvzsz3nw0payvptnnykx37uc3mh9uhst547g3

Bitcoin’s underlying technology cannot be uninvented. It is a revolutionary concept destined to endure as long as society requires money and individuals are driven by self-interest. Bitcoin’s invention has birthed a decentralized network poised to redefine the very fabric of human organization, ushering in transformations previously unimaginable. Many people could never have imagined giving up their phone for an iPhone, until they saw an iPhone. In many ways Bitcoin is similar for money. What Satoshi created was absolute scarcity that anyone can verify for themselves. In Satoshi and Steve we find visionaries who transformed the unattainable into reality, rewriting the narrative of human achievement.

Bitcoin transcends mere currency creation. If it becomes widely adopted as a foundational layer of global finance, Bitcoin could fundamentally transform the role and function of governments, similar to how the internet disrupted and transformed businesses. As Jobs said, “A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show it to them.” Great thinkers reject the status quo. If Satoshi Nakamoto believed in traditional fiat edicts and “too big to fail” institutions Bitcoin would not exist.

Like cash and digital payments, Bitcoin has its own set of trade-offs. Cash offers superior privacy and allows for peer-to-peer payments, but it cannot be sent over the internet. Credit cards and bank accounts enable convenient online payments, but they require users to give up personal information. Both are fiat currencies which means they are subject to inflation risks. Bitcoin offers the promise of secure online money transfers without the need for banks or intermediaries, but it requires users to understand its unique features and take responsibility for their finances. If you don’t run a node, you introduce counterparty risk, the very thing Bitcoin was designed to solve. The delicate balance between convenience and control is a personal choice. Nonetheless, I firmly believe that the cross-disciplinary design principles that propelled Apple to greatness could contribute significantly to resolving this tension between user-friendliness and autonomy within the realm of Bitcoin. Apple stands to gain substantially by offering well-crafted Bitcoin services and elevating the overall user experience.

Steve Jobs and Satoshi Nakamoto both embraced a first principles approach to innovation. Nakamoto’s pioneering work led to the creation of a decentralized system that blended elements of computer science, cryptography, and economics. It’s almost poetic that such a brilliant open system finds a home on Apple’s sleek machines. Jobs had a unique vision for Apple, one where control over both hardware and software was paramount to ensure the highest quality and user experience. While this approach sometimes frustrated others, it undeniably played a crucial role in propelling Apple to its current status in the world. However, innovation is an ever-evolving landscape, and there are moments when adopting groundbreaking technology becomes inevitable. Jobs’ commitment to control was unwavering, but even he acknowledged the need to embrace superior technology when it emerged. Steve Wozniak, Apple’s other co-founder, has aptly labeled Bitcoin a “mathematical miracle” and I see no reason why the other Steve would not have agreed. While Apple stands as a formidable force, Bitcoin operates as a straightforward protocol. Apple unquestionably stands to benefit from integrating Bitcoin into its ecosystem, but Bitcoin remains independent and resilient, free from reliance on any single entity, even an industry giant like Apple. There’s no doubt that Apple’s immediate survival does not hinge on embracing Bitcoin. However, complacency fosters stagnation, and over time, the company may face growing challenges if it neglects to harness the potential of Bitcoin.

While I appreciate Steve Jobs’ brilliance and his commitment to his vision, I believe that Satoshi Nakamoto’s community-centric approach was better suited for what he was creating. Bitcoin evolves through decentralized governance, where decisions about its development are made collectively by its global user base. This ensures that the digital currency remains adaptable and responsive to the needs and preferences of its users. It also makes it difficult for people to “move fast and break things” which can be disruptive and harmful in a financial system people all over the world are using as a store of value.

The strength and adaptability of Bitcoin owe much to the absence of a solitary central figure. It was not the brainchild of a lone individual; in fact, Satoshi cited the work of eight others in the original white paper. While Nakamoto launched the network, Bitcoin has since evolved through the contributions of many developers and community members. Without a solitary leader to target, Bitcoin has proven adaptable and resilient amid free market forces and waves of scrutiny. Though individuals come and go, transformative ideas can live on and change the world. As the film V for Vendetta noted, powerful principles can outlast any one person: "We are told to remember the idea, not the man, because a man can fail. He can be caught, he can be killed and forgotten, but 400 years later, an idea can still change the world." Bitcoin's decentralized ethos embodies this spirit of an idea taking on a life of its own.

In contrast to Bitcoin's decentralized beginnings, Apple's success is largely attributed to the vision and leadership of one man. What made Steve Jobs so successful is how he seamlessly combined art, music, and creativity into products that people emotionally connected with. Steve was excellent at evoking people's emotion through thoughtful design and marketing. While Bitcoin and Apple took very different paths, they both demonstrate how a great idea, whether championed by one leader or many, can profoundly impact the world.

Innovation thrives at the crossroads of diverse disciplines. In the context of Bitcoin’s immense potential, I’d like to propose a vision of how Apple could harness this interdisciplinary approach to not only honor its legacy but also embrace the future.

1. User-Friendly Bitcoin Integration: Apple’s knack for seamlessly blending technology with user experience is legendary. Collaborations between computer scientists, UX designers, and educators could yield exceptional tools and resources to demystify Bitcoin for the masses. Imagine integrating lightning payments into Apple Pay, simplifying Bitcoin transactions and potentially eliminating the need to share revenue with banks and credit card providers. The user-friendly experience could redefine digital payments.

2. Regulatory Collaboration: In navigating the complex regulatory landscape, Apple could work alongside legal experts and economists to develop clear frameworks. By demonstrating a commitment to balancing innovation with consumer protection, Apple can win the trust of regulators and lawmakers. This proactive stance could pave the way for Bitcoin’s wider acceptance and lessen the need for protracted litigation battles.

3. Financial Services Revolution: Collaborating with fintech experts and developers, Apple could design financial products and services that harness Bitcoin’s power while ensuring security and compliance. A notable challenge is the absence of chargeback mechanisms in Bitcoin. Here, Apple could innovate by exploring solutions that preserve Bitcoin’s core tenets of trustlessness and immutability while offering users optional chargeback mechanisms through trusted third parties.

While some purists may resist the idea of chargebacks, the goal is to strike a balance and let Bitcoiners decide on the tradeoffs they are willing to make. By fostering innovation in this area, Apple can help Bitcoin accommodate a wider range of users and use cases.

4. Societal Impact: It’s my belief that Bitcoin can be a force for societal betterment, promoting financial inclusion, economic development, and individual sovereignty. Instead of dismantling existing systems, Bitcoin offers a way to improve them. It’s disheartening to see Apple, once known for its rebellious spirit, shy away from such an opportunity.

Imagine a world where people can send micropayments over social media to directly support each other’s creativity and content. Technologies like Bitcoin’s Lightning Network and the decentralized Nostr protocol are making this possible.

Rather than viewing this as a threat to centralized app store fees and control, Apple could embrace and accelerate such innovation. Seamless Bitcoin/Lightning and Nostr integration on Apple devices may unlock new economic and creative opportunities globally.

The spirit of decentralized innovation aligns with ideals of freedom and empowerment. Enabling people to directly exchange value may seed groundbreaking ideas. As Apple knows well, creativity and innovation thrive when restrictions are removed.

If Apple taps into the promise of Bitcoin’s lightning-fast micropayments and decentralized platforms like Nostr, they could propagate far-reaching economic and creative empowerment worldwide. The future will belong to those who don’t just optimize existing models but reimagine technology’s relationship with freedom and humanity.

Source: made by author.

This is a guest post by Conor Chepenik. Opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.

Similar to Notcoin - Blum - Airdrops In 2024

origin »

Apple Network (ANK) на Currencies.ru

$ 1.14E-5 (+24.19%)
Объем 24H $15
Изменеия 24h: 196.71 %, 7d: -10.60 %
Cегодня L: $3.8E-6 - H: $1.14E-5
Капитализация $0 Rank 3444
Доступно / Всего 0 ANK

apple bitcoin letter open policy store app

apple bitcoin → Результатов: 126


Why Apple Won’t Reveal Crypto and Bitcoin Support at iPhone 11 Event

Today, Apple will reveal the latest iteration of its flagship smartphone, the iPhone 11 during a live-streamed conference hosted by the Cupertino giant. After last week’s comments made by an Apple executive suggesting potential interest in crypto assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, many from the crypto community are expecting the company to follow Samsung’s lead.

2019-9-10 19:21


Фото:

Crypto Tidbits: PWC Branch Accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum Istanbul Pushed, Apple Talks Cryptocurrency

Another week, another of Crypto Tidbits. At long last, the Bitcoin price saw some bullish action this week, gaining some 10% over the past seven days according to Coin360. io. While BTC is trading 4% lower from its weekly highs, analysts are starting to believe that the trend for the cryptocurrency market is finally pointing upward.

2019-9-8 00:00


Фото:

Система криптоплатежей Zeux добавила поддержку Bitcoin Cash

Известная система мобильных криптоплатежей Zeux запускает в своем мобильном приложении поддержку Bitcoin Cash. Теперь все пользователи Zeux могут хранить BCH и расплачиваться криптовалютой во всех магазинах с поддержкой Apple Pay и Samsung Pay.

2019-8-28 18:00


Фото:

Goldman-Backed Apple Card Restricts Cryptocurrency Purchases

Cryptocurrencies cannot be purchased with the new Apple credit card according to the American multinational technology company’s recently published customer agreement guidelines. The Apple card’s restrictions indicate that the company’s partner, Goldman Sachs, is leery toward cryptocurrencies and other “cash equivalents” like lottery tickets and casino chips.

2019-8-5 19:20


Bitcoin and crypto purchases will be prohibited with Apple’s new credit card

Apple and Goldman Sachs’ new credit card will not let users buy cryptocurrencies. This, according to a customer agreement published on Goldman Sachs’ website on August 2. The agreement notes that the card may not be used for obtaining cash advances or cash equivalents that include digital currencies, lottery tickets, race track wagers, and casino gaming […] The post Bitcoin and crypto purchases will be prohibited with Apple’s new credit card appeared first on CryptoSlate.

2019-8-3 13:32


Opera Releases Apple iOS Mobile Web Browser With Blockchain Features With Built-In Crypto Wallet

Blockchain applications in the mobile phone industry have been a somewhat slow but steady process in the last few years with the official Samsung keyboard featuring a bitcoin emoji, HTC releasing the Exodus phone last year as well as the first blockchain-based smartphone being released last year as well. Now Opera, an internet browser company, […]

2019-6-27 21:12


Стив Джобс создатель Bitcoin? Давнее выступления основателя Apple

Один из пользователей Твиттера разместил на своей странице давнее видео с выступлением основателя Apple Стива Джобса. Оно было снято много лет назад, но вызвало бурную реакцию среди интернет-пользователей, так как в нем Стив Джобс мог намекать на возможность создания технологии биткоина.

2019-6-3 13:57


Фото:

Bullish on Bitcoin, Bearish on Trade Relations With Jeffrey Tucker

Dave and Grahm are back with news and price narratives around 2019’s top-performing financial asset. This week’s stories include mainstream media’s Bitcoin FOMO, the real story of Laszlo Hanyecz (the guy behind Bitcoin Pizza Day), Dutch authorities taking down Bestmixer, Tether being partially backed by bitcoin and what Libertarian politician Ron Paul thinks about the U.

2019-5-29 16:42


Bitcoin Wallets Trend as Top Apps on Apple Store as Price Spikes 112% YTD

Two leading bitcoin wallets were trending higher on a popular app marketplace on Tuesday. Twitterati CryptoRae shared a screenshot of the most-searched apps on the Apple Store. It showed Coinbase, a cryptocurrency wallet app managed by a San Francisco-based exchange of the same name, and Blockchain, a similar wallet service provider, listed on the Apple.

2019-5-16 15:00


Apple Watch будет поддерживать Bitcoin

Отправить или получить криптовалюту теперь можно с помощью умных часов. Новая функция стала доступна благодаря разработчикам цифрового кошелька Bluewallet и технологии Lighting Network. Владельцы Apple Watch теперь смогут отправлять друг другу криптовалюту с помощью нескольких нажатий на умные часы.

2019-5-7 13:00


Bitcoin (BTC) Takes A Bite Out Of Apple (APPL) Stock As Traditional Finance And Crypto Emerge

Traditional Stocks And Crypto Apple (APPL) stock has reached around $200 per share this year. In a note to Bank of America clients concerning its position on Apple, analyst Wamsi Mohan discussed Apple’s performance for the second quarter of 2019, one of its core strengths was its services revenue, which reached $11.5 billion. He stated, […]

2019-5-2 20:13