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7 May 2026, 08:46

Apple loses bid to pause Epic ruling at Supreme Court

Apple suffered a fresh setback in its long-running legal fight with Epic Games after the U.S. Supreme Court refused to pause a lower court ruling tied to the App Store dispute. The decision keeps pressure on the iPhone maker as it heads back to federal court over how much it can charge developers for purchases made outside its App Store. On Wednesday, Justice Elena Kagan, acting on behalf of the Supreme Court, denied Apple’s emergency request to temporarily halt a ruling from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. That appeals court had upheld a finding that Apple failed to fully comply with an earlier injunction issued in the Epic Games case. The case began initially after Epic introduced its own payment system in Fortnite , bypassing Apple’s commission fees. This prompted Apple to remove the game from the App Store. Apple stopped collecting commissions on third-party transactions Following the original Epic v. Apple case, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers declared last April that Apple deliberately dodged her earlier anti-steering injunctions. T he Ninth Circuit has since sustained that verdict. The appellate panel denied Apple’s bid to suspend the contempt ruling, and the company later petitioned the Supreme Court. The legal battle dates back to an antitrust lawsuit Epic Games brought against Apple over restrictions on the App Store. Judge Gonzalez ruled that Apple was not permitted to prevent developers from steering users to third-party payment methods. Later, as previously reported by Cryptopolitan , Apple was found in contempt after the judge found that it had obstructed developers from using third-party payment methods. Moreover, the company charged a steep fee for clicks that led away from its platform. On Monday, Apple asked the Supreme Court to intervene and grant a stay; otherwise, it’d be forced to defend its rates under a misleading and harmful contempt label. The company has reportedly had to forego billions of dollars of commission revenue. Before the contempt ruling, Apple had been collecting a 27% commission on external payments, a mere 3% discount from its standard App Store tax. But since the contempt, the iPhone maker has refrained from collecting commissions on external link transactions for nearly a year. Epic Games, for its part, asked the justices not to intervene in the case. It wrote the court: “Apple’s willful contempt has successfully delayed the restoration of competition by more than two years, allowing it to reap billions of dollars in what the Ninth Circuit previously affirmed were supracompetitive fees.” CEO Tim Sweeney even claimed Apple was only trying to delay the process by seeking a stay soon after the appeals court ruling. Nonetheless, Justice Elena Kagan rejected Apple’s stay request less than an hour after Epic Games made its opposition public. Apple did not even get a chance to respond. The current development marks another win for Epic Games CEO, who has spent years challenging Apple’s App Store policies and pushing for more open mobile payment systems. Fortnite returned to the U.S. App Store in 2025 after earlier court victories for Epic. The case is back in Judge Gonzalez’s hands With the Supreme Court’s denial, the dispute shifts back to Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland. Her court is expected to rule on whether Apple can impose commissions on purchases made through external link redirections. Earlier, the judge had reached out to the federal attorney’s office about criminal charges and determined that Apple’s top brass lied under oath about complying with the injunction. Apple came out on top in the initial 2021 Epic Games trial, a result that held firm after the Supreme Court refused to hear appeals in January 2024 . The firm’s sole defeat was the anti-steering order requiring external payment links, a rule it has challenged in court for 4 years. Wednesday’s ruling, however, forces Apple to obey the lower court’s orders without any further delays. Nonetheless, in early April, Apple filed for certiorari and formally asked the Supreme Court to take up the case and review the validity of both the contempt label and the injunction’s scope. Though the cert petition is still pending. If you want a calmer entry point into DeFi crypto without the usual hype, start with this free video.

7 May 2026, 08:30

US Bitcoin Reserve Plan Nears Major White House Update

White House crypto advisor Patrick Witt said the Trump administration will announce new details on the US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve within “the next few weeks,” framing the update as both a policy milestone and a custody response after an alleged exploit involving digital assets held by the US Marshals Service. Speaking at Consensus 2026 in Miami on Wednesday, Witt said the administration’s work on the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, or SBR, and the separate digital asset stockpile had been progressing largely out of public view. The next announcement, he indicated, will focus on “exactly the progress that’s been made and where we’re going from here.” Trump’s Bitcoin Reserve Heads Toward New Update President Donald Trump signed an executive order in March 2025 establishing the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and a US Digital Asset Stockpile, with the bitcoin reserve capitalized by BTC finally forfeited to the Treasury through criminal or civil asset forfeiture proceedings. The non-bitcoin stockpile covers other forfeited digital assets under a separate framework. Related Reading: Bitcoin Breaks $80,000, But On-Chain Activity Signals A Silent Warning Witt tied the coming update directly to a recent security incident. “So, as many of the folks in this room may have seen, there was an exploit of certain assets that were held by the US Marshals just a month or two ago. We obviously started the work on the SBR, the digital asset stockpile, without thinking about that, but obviously thinking about we need to properly secure these assets. So it’s a case in point for why it was so necessary that the President established the SBR and that he instructed the agencies to take these assets very seriously and properly safeguard them.” He added that digital asset custody creates challenges that do not fit neatly into legacy government asset-management procedures. “Custody is unique for digital assets. So we’ve made a tremendous amount of progress that’s kind of happened in the background and we’ll be making an announcement in the next few weeks, you know, laying out exactly the progress that’s been made and where we’re going from here.” The exploit Witt referenced appears to be the alleged theft tied to John Daghita, also known online as “John” or “Lick.” The case became public after blockchain investigator ZachXBT linked the “John/Lick” persona to wallets moving funds connected to US government-controlled crypto addresses. TRM Labs later said Daghita was arrested in Saint Martin in a joint operation involving the French Gendarmerie and the FBI, with authorities alleging he stole cryptocurrency from wallets associated with the US Marshals Service. Related Reading: Bitcoin Seasonality Flashes Bullish May Signal After Two Green Months According to TRM’s summary, the investigation traced part of the activity to cryptocurrency seized in connection with the 2016 Bitfinex hack. TRM said approximately $24.9 million of the traced funds originated from a US government-controlled wallet, while ZachXBT alleged that Daghita stole more than $46 million in seized crypto assets by abusing access at CMDSS, his father’s company, which held a US Marshals Service contract. Notably, Witt had already previewed the update days earlier at Bitcoin 2026 in Las Vegas. Speaking on a panel at The Venetian Resort, he said the administration had spent months working through the legal interpretations needed to protect bitcoin on the government balance sheet after Trump’s executive order. “In the next few weeks, we’ll be making a big announcement,” Witt said there, adding that the administration believed it could take a “big step forward from the executive branch side” even before Congress acts. He also made clear at Bitcoin 2026 that legislation would still be needed to lock the policy in more permanently. That distinction is central: an executive-branch framework can shape custody and management now, but a statutory framework would be harder for a future administration to unwind. At press time, BTC traded at $81,530. Featured image created with DALL.E, chart from TradingView.com

7 May 2026, 08:20

American Bitcoin Expands Treasury: Mining Firm Adds 300 BTC, Now Holds 7,300

BitcoinWorld American Bitcoin Expands Treasury: Mining Firm Adds 300 BTC, Now Holds 7,300 American Bitcoin (ABTC), a mining firm with reported ties to the family of U.S. President Donald Trump, has added 300 Bitcoin to its corporate treasury, according to data from BitcoinTreasuries.net. The purchase brings the company’s total holdings to 7,300 BTC, reinforcing its position as a significant institutional holder of the cryptocurrency. Strategic Accumulation in a Volatile Market The acquisition comes during a period of relative price consolidation for Bitcoin, following a strong rally earlier in the year. American Bitcoin’s decision to increase its holdings suggests a long-term bullish outlook on the asset, a strategy increasingly adopted by publicly traded and private mining firms alike. By holding mined coins rather than selling them immediately, the company is effectively betting on future price appreciation. Data from BitcoinTreasuries.net indicates that American Bitcoin now ranks among the top corporate holders of Bitcoin, a list that includes industry giants like MicroStrategy and Marathon Digital. The firm’s accumulation strategy appears to mirror that of other major players, which have used debt and operational cash flow to build substantial Bitcoin reserves. Political Connections and Market Perception The company’s reported connections to the Trump family add a layer of political and regulatory interest to its operations. While the exact nature of these ties has not been fully detailed in public filings, the association has drawn attention from both crypto enthusiasts and political observers. The Trump family’s involvement in the digital asset space has been a topic of discussion, particularly given the former president’s previous critical statements about cryptocurrencies. This acquisition could be interpreted as a signal of confidence from a politically connected entity, potentially influencing how other institutional investors view Bitcoin as a treasury asset. However, the firm has not issued a public statement detailing the rationale for this specific purchase. Implications for the Bitcoin Mining Sector American Bitcoin’s move is part of a broader trend among mining companies to hold onto their mined Bitcoin rather than selling it to cover operational expenses. This strategy, often referred to as a ‘HODL’ approach, requires companies to have strong cash reserves or alternative financing to manage costs. It reflects a maturing industry where firms are increasingly treating Bitcoin as a core strategic asset rather than a commodity to be immediately liquidated. The addition of 300 BTC, valued at approximately $18 million at current market prices, is a relatively modest increase compared to the firm’s total holdings. Yet, it reinforces a pattern of consistent accumulation that could have a cumulative effect on market supply dynamics, especially if other miners follow suit. Conclusion American Bitcoin’s latest purchase of 300 BTC underscores a growing conviction among mining firms in the long-term value of Bitcoin. With total holdings now at 7,300 BTC, the company continues to build a significant treasury, positioning itself alongside other institutional holders. The political connections associated with the firm add an extra dimension to the story, making it one to watch for both market and regulatory developments. FAQs Q1: What is American Bitcoin’s total Bitcoin holdings after this purchase? American Bitcoin now holds 7,300 BTC, following the acquisition of an additional 300 Bitcoin. Q2: Why is the Trump family connection relevant to this story? The reported ties add a layer of political and regulatory interest, potentially influencing market perception and institutional adoption of Bitcoin. Q3: How does this acquisition compare to other corporate Bitcoin holders? With 7,300 BTC, American Bitcoin ranks among the top corporate holders, though it remains behind leaders like MicroStrategy and Marathon Digital. This post American Bitcoin Expands Treasury: Mining Firm Adds 300 BTC, Now Holds 7,300 first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

7 May 2026, 08:00

Bitcoin Mining Could Transform Colombia’s Caribbean Region, President Says

Paraguay now controls 4.3% of the global Bitcoin network — a figure that caught the attention of Colombia’s president and may be shaping the country’s next big energy bet. An Indigenous Community At The Center Colombian President Gustavo Petro went public this week with a proposal to turn the country’s Caribbean coast into a Bitcoin mining hub, citing Paraguay’s rise as proof the model works for developing nations. In a post on X, Petro named three cities — Barranquilla, Santa Marta, and Riohacha — as potential sites for mining operations. He also put forward an unusual condition: that the Wayúu people, Colombia’s largest Indigenous community and long-time residents of the Caribbean coast, be made co-owners of any such project. “It’s an immense boost to the development of the Caribbean,” Petro wrote. Si las monedas virtuales se basan en energía fósil estalla el calentamiento mundial y el colapso climático Hoy los países con abundantes energías limpias encerradas como Venezuela y Paraguay, logran atraer las inversiones en minería del bitcoin. La.minería del bitcoin es el… https://t.co/KroCrG9qkD — Gustavo Petro (@petrogustavo) May 5, 2026 The proposal draws on Colombia’s existing energy profile. According to World Bank data published in April 2024, the country generates about 75% of its electricity from renewable sources — more than twice the global average. Petro argued that tapping those clean energy supplies for Bitcoin mining would sidestep the environmental concerns he has raised about fossil fuel-powered mining operations. Paraguay’s Rise Sets The Template The Paraguay comparison is central to Petro’s pitch. The landlocked South American country tapped hydroelectric power from the Itaipu dam and, based on reports, now ranks fourth globally in Bitcoin mining hashrate — behind only the US, Russia, and China. Analysts at Hashlabs have said the mining industry can deliver meaningful economic impact to emerging countries by converting surplus electricity into a cash-generating export. That opening is growing. US commercial miners are increasingly shifting focus toward artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, where profit margins are higher. Reports indicate that shift is leaving room for countries with low electricity costs to capture a bigger slice of the global Bitcoin network. A Short Window To Act There is one major constraint hanging over Petro’s plan. His presidential term ends in August, giving him roughly three months to move the proposal forward. He is barred by Colombia’s constitution from seeking re-election. Colombia holds its next presidential election on May 31. Featured image from Unsplash, chart from TradingView

7 May 2026, 07:40

Morgan Stanley Executive Predicts Traditional Finance Will Absorb DeFi Within Five Years

BitcoinWorld Morgan Stanley Executive Predicts Traditional Finance Will Absorb DeFi Within Five Years A senior executive at Morgan Stanley has predicted that the decentralized finance sector, known as DeFi, will be fully absorbed by traditional financial institutions within the next five years, rendering the term itself obsolete. Jed Finn, head of Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management division, shared the forecast during a keynote session at the Consensus 2026 conference, outlining a future where the boundaries between digital and conventional finance effectively disappear. DeFi as a Feature, Not a Sector Finn argued that the current distinction between DeFi and traditional finance is a temporary phase driven by technological novelty and regulatory uncertainty. Over time, he said, the infrastructure and efficiencies of DeFi—such as smart contracts, automated market making, and permissionless lending—will be integrated into mainstream banking and wealth management platforms. The term DeFi, he suggested, will fade away much like early internet buzzwords did once the technology became standard. This perspective aligns with a growing sentiment among major financial institutions that have been quietly exploring blockchain-based solutions for settlement, custody, and asset tokenization. Morgan Stanley itself has been a cautious but active participant in the crypto space, offering Bitcoin funds to wealthy clients since 2021. New Product: Crypto-to-ETF Loans Without Taxable Events During the same presentation, Finn announced a new product designed to bridge the gap between crypto holdings and traditional financial services. The offering allows Morgan Stanley clients to transfer cryptocurrency held on external platforms directly into their Morgan Stanley accounts. Once transferred, the crypto can be converted into an exchange-traded fund (ETF). Clients can then take out loans against the ETF without needing to sell the underlying digital assets. This structure is particularly notable because it enables clients to access liquidity without triggering a taxable event. Selling cryptocurrency typically incurs capital gains taxes, but borrowing against assets is not considered a disposal for tax purposes in most jurisdictions. For high-net-worth individuals holding significant crypto positions, this product addresses a longstanding pain point: how to unlock the value of digital assets without incurring a large tax bill. Implications for the Broader Market The move by Morgan Stanley signals a deeper institutional commitment to integrating crypto into mainstream wealth management. By offering a product that treats crypto similarly to traditional securities—allowing loans against ETF holdings—the bank is effectively normalizing digital assets as part of a diversified portfolio. Industry observers note that this development could pressure other major banks to offer comparable services. If traditional finance does absorb DeFi as Finn predicts, products like this may become standard, blurring the line between the two worlds further. However, the timeline remains uncertain. Regulatory clarity around crypto lending and ETF structures is still evolving in the United States and Europe. Conclusion Jed Finn’s prediction at Consensus 2026 reflects a broader institutional belief that decentralized finance is not a rival to traditional finance but a set of innovations that will be adopted and integrated. Morgan Stanley’s new crypto-to-ETF loan product exemplifies this trend, offering clients liquidity without tax consequences. Whether the term DeFi disappears in five years remains to be seen, but the direction of travel is clear: the two worlds are converging. FAQs Q1: What did Jed Finn predict about DeFi at Consensus 2026? Finn predicted that traditional finance will absorb DeFi within five years, making the term DeFi unnecessary as its features become standard in mainstream banking. Q2: What is Morgan Stanley’s new crypto product? The product allows clients to transfer external crypto holdings into their Morgan Stanley account, convert them into an ETF, and take out loans against the ETF without selling the assets, avoiding taxable events. Q3: Why is avoiding a taxable event important for crypto investors? Selling cryptocurrency typically triggers capital gains tax. Borrowing against assets, however, is not considered a disposal, so investors can access liquidity without incurring immediate tax liabilities. This post Morgan Stanley Executive Predicts Traditional Finance Will Absorb DeFi Within Five Years first appeared on BitcoinWorld .

7 May 2026, 07:14

Render (RNDR) And Fetch.ai (FET): As New AI‑Agent And GPU Marketplace Deals Drop, Do RNDR And FET Drive The Next AI‑Infra Wave Or Top On Hype?

"DeFi-to-AI" pipeline is no longer a speculative experiment; it is a high-volume infrastructure play. With the recent approval of Render’s RNP-023, which integrated the Salad Network and added 60,000 decentralized GPUs to the stack, and the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET) successfully scaling its agent marketplace, the "AI-Infra" narrative is entering a mature phase. While the market is hot, the technicals show a fascinating split: RNDR is acting as the established trend leader, maintaining its ground above all major moving averages, while FET is in a "catch-up" repair phase, attempting to flip its long-term resistance into support. Render (RNDR): The GPU Marketplace in a Strong Uptrend Source: tradingview Render has successfully transitioned from a 3D rendering network to the "Default GPU Layer" for generative AI. The onboarding of high-end NVIDIA H100/H200 support via community governance has moved the project from retail-grade hobbyism to enterprise-grade utility. Technical Breakdown: Trend Strength: RNDR is trading above its 7, 30, and 200-day SMAs. This "trend stack" is the healthiest signature in the AI sector, suggesting that pullbacks to the $1.85 (30-day) level are currently being viewed as accumulation opportunities. Momentum: The MACD histogram (+0.0166) is clearly positive, and the RSI-14 (62.86) indicates a strong trend that still has "headroom" before hitting extreme overbought territory ($70+). The Outlook: RNDR is no longer fighting for relevance; it is fighting for scale. As long as it holds above the 30-day band, the path toward the $2.50–$3.00 psychological range remains open. FET: The AI‑Agent Leg in Catch‑Up Mode Source: tradingview The Artificial Superintelligence Alliance (FET) is the primary vehicle for the "AI Agent" economy. Following its successful merger and the rollout of decentralized model-hosting, FET is seeing a resurgence in demand from developer communities building autonomous on-chain services. Technical Breakdown: Trend Positioning: FET is currently attempting to reclaim its 200-day SMA ($0.226). It has successfully turned its short and medium-term averages into support, which usually precedes a larger structural breakout. Momentum: The MACD is crossing up from below zero. This is a high-conviction technical trigger that often marks the start of a fresh leg after a multi-month accumulation phase. RSI Indicator: At 57.93, FET is Entering a "Trend Zone." It is less stretched than RNDR, suggesting more "torque" if the market begins to rotate heavily into the agent theme. Conclusion The 2026 AI cycle is fundamentally different from the 2023–2024 craze. We are seeing real workloads—Salad Network’s 60k GPUs and FET ’s agent-secured workloads—moving the tape. They drive the next wave if: Both assets convert their 200-day moving averages into permanent floors. The RSI-14 for both remains in the 55–70 band, indicating structural buying rather than episodic news spikes. Verifiable on-chain fee revenue (token burns for RNDR, service fees for FET) continues to outpace speculative growth. Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.