APhone, a decentralized cloud-based smartphone, aims to take on the duopoly of Apple and Google with the launch of a web3-native app store.

Announced on June 19, the AppNest store will support both blockchain-based decentralized applications and web2 apps. APhone aims to undercut the fees of up to 30% that Apple and Google charge to developers by making AppNest “free and open.”

“Our goal is to democratize access to technology and provide a full Web3 mobile experience to users worldwide, irrespective of geographical or economic barriers,” said William Paul Peckham, APhone’s chief business officer.

APhone said the web3 apps supported by AppNest include MetaMask, Phantom, and Binance, alongside Web2 applications such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and ChatGPT.

The AppNest store is exclusively available via the APhone app.

Solana Mobile proves web3 phone potential

AppNest’s launch follows increasing interest in web3 phones after the debut of Solana Mobile’s Saga phone in June 2022, which quickly sold out in the United States and Europe.

Saga enjoyed a surge in popularity as memecoin issuers began airdropping tokens to owners of the $1,000 phone. Notably, Saga buyers qualified for a drop of 30 million BONK tokens, worth $643.5 today, and $1,364 as of the token’s all-time high in March.

The phone also ignited buzz surrounding the decentralized physical infrastructure network (DePIN) sector after Helium, a crypto-native mobile plan provider, launched services for Saga users.

In January, Solana Mobile began accepting pre-orders for its second phone, “Chapter 2,” which is expected to ship sometime next year.

APhone taps Aethir for cloud computing

APhone is powered by Aethir, a DePIN provider. The two teams partnered up in March, with APhone leveraging Aethir’s decentralized cloud architecture.

“Aethir’s innovative decentralized cloud technology is the missing piece that will allow us to grant users their mobile freedom,” said Julie Zhu, APhone’s tech lead. “By virtualizing smartphones on blockchain, we can offer capabilities far beyond physical device limitations.”

The APhone is a cloud phone that can run both advanced Web3 applications and conventional apps on any web browser-compatible device. It boasts a dedicated seed vault working alongside the Android OS.

On June 12, Aethir launched its decentralized cloud computing network on the Ethereum mainnet. The network allows firms with idle GPU resources, such as data centers and cryptocurrency miners, to contribute computational power to the network in exchange for rewards.

During its testnet phase, Aethir engaged over 500,000 users and completed a “node sale” valued at $146 million, attracting backing from major computing firms including Nvidia, HPE, and Foxconn.

Aethir launched its native ATH token on June 12. After a volatile debut, ATH price action has stabilized, with the token shedding just 1% in the past week, according to CoinGecko. ATH is also up 9% in the past 24 hours.