Apple has posted a job opening for a business development manager to head its “alternative payments” partnership program who is also versed in cryptocurrency and blockchain tech.

The company has maintained a strict payment system over the years and crypto has never been an acceptable form of payment in its App Store. However, the listing posted on Wednesday is indicative of such a direction, given the attention cryptocurrencies have been garnering in 2021.

The Job Description

“The Apple Wallets, Payments, and Commerce (WPC) team is seeking an experienced Business Development Manager to lead Alternative Payments Partnerships,” the listing reads. “We are looking for a proven professional in global alternative and emerging payment solutions. We need your help forming partnership framework and commercial models, defining implementation paradigms, identifying key players and managing relationships with strategic alternative payment partners. This position will be responsible for the end to end business development, including screening partners, negotiating and closing commercial agreements and launching new programs.”

The post also asks for someone with “5+ years experience working in or with alternative payment providers, such as digital wallets, BNPL, Fast Payments, cryptocurrency and etc,” adding that the manager would act as Apple’s head negotiator for alternative payment affairs.

Apple hasn’t gone public with any plans as they pertain to innovation in the crypto space but it appears that certain players are getting ready for the company’s involvement, with Coinbase having included Apple Pay graphics in an update of its mobile application.

According to MacRumors, Coinbase looks to be keen on making its Coinbase Card compatible with Apple Pay. The card has been working with Google Pay in Europe since March last year but there’s no support in the U.S, neither is their support for Apple Pay in either region.

An image asset in the Coinbase App’s code called “CardGoogleApplePay” is believed to be evidence of inbound support for Apple Pay.

Apple’s Restrictions Under Fire

Should Apple begin accepting crypto payments, the development would come as a relief. The tech giant is currently embroiled in a court battle with video game developer Epic Games; the Fortnite creators have accused Apple of violating antitrust laws and restricting creativity when it comes to payments.

Epic is also claiming that app devs would be willing and able to accept cryptocurrency in exchange for their creations if Apple’s rules regarding payment were not as strict.

Based on the aforementioned listing, though, that could be about to change.