There have been growing rumors and indications that Apple is edging closer to integrating cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin, into its ecosystem. While Apple has not officially announced direct Bitcoin support, several developments suggest that it could be exploring cryptocurrency-related features.

One key hint is that Apple has included the Bitcoin whitepaper in every version of macOS since 2018, which, although subtle, has intrigued many in the crypto community. Additionally, Apple has recently opened up its NFC chip and Secure Element to third-party developers. This move allows developers to integrate blockchain-based payment functionalities, such as stablecoin payments using USDC, into iPhones. Such actions could pave the way for more direct cryptocurrency support, including Bitcoin, in Apple’s payment ecosystem  .

On a speculative front, Michael Saylor, a prominent Bitcoin advocate, has publicly suggested that Apple could significantly benefit from acquiring Bitcoin or incorporating it into its financial infrastructure. His vision includes using iPhones and Apple Watches as security devices for crypto transactions, further boosting Apple’s market presence and valuation  .

While these steps are promising for the future of crypto integration in Apple’s products, there are no concrete details yet confirming full Bitcoin support across devices. However, these movements suggest that Apple is closely watching the cryptocurrency space and could introduce more significant crypto-related features in the near future.

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In a surprising and mysterious move, Apple has included the Bitcoin whitepaper in every version of macOS since 2018. The document, titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System,” authored by Satoshi Nakamoto, was found hidden within a system folder tied to Apple’s “Image Capture” application. The file can be accessed through macOS versions starting from Mojave (10.14) by navigating through system folders or using the Terminal command. The whitepaper is stored in a file called simpledoc.pdf within an internal app called “VirtualScanner” that seems to simulate document scanning.

The discovery was made public in 2023 when technologist Andy Baio stumbled upon it while troubleshooting a printer issue. Many speculate that it was either an internal joke or a hidden Easter egg by Apple engineers. Despite being largely harmless, Apple later removed the file from the macOS Ventura 13.4 beta after its presence gained attention.

This inclusion has sparked curiosity about Apple’s stance on cryptocurrencies, although the company has remained silent on the matter, and no direct support for Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies has been announced in its devices so far. However, it remains a fascinating Easter egg, fueling speculation about Apple’s potential interest in the crypto world    .

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Yes, it’s true that Apple included a copy of the Bitcoin whitepaper in macOS versions from Mojave (2018) up until Ventura. The file, titled “simpledoc.pdf,” was discovered hidden in the system files as part of an internal tool called “Virtual Scanner.” This tool appeared to be used by Apple engineers for testing purposes related to the Image Capture app. While some speculated it might signal Apple’s interest in Bitcoin, it seems to have been an Easter egg or a playful addition by Apple engineers, not intended for public use.

The whitepaper’s presence gained attention in 2023, leading Apple to remove it in later versions of macOS, such as the Ventura 13.4 beta and Sonoma. Thus, while it was an amusing find, there is no deeper significance behind it in terms of Apple’s official stance on Bitcoin or cryptocurrencies   .