Orchid VPN Goes Live With Desktop App for Mac Users

An Ethereum-based service for privately browsing the web now has a desktop app for Mac users.

AccessTimeIconJul 23, 2020 at 4:45 a.m. UTC
Updated May 9, 2023 at 3:10 a.m. UTC
10 Years of Decentralizing the Future
May 29-31, 2024 - Austin, TexasThe biggest and most established global hub for everything crypto, blockchain and Web3.Register Now

An Ethereum-based service for privately browsing the web now has a desktop app for Mac users.

Orchid VPN announced the launch in a Wednesday blog post, highlighting the ease with which users can purchase bandwidth using an Apple ID.

  • FTX Bankruptcy Claims Deadline; UK Crypto, Stablecoin Rules Passed Into Law
    02:16
    FTX Bankruptcy Claims Deadline; UK Crypto, Stablecoin Rules Passed Into Law
  • Apple Should Think Differently, 'Embrace Bitcoin': Damus Founder
    08:13
    Apple Should Think Differently, 'Embrace Bitcoin': Damus Founder
  • Damus Founder Anticipates Delisting From Apple App Store
    05:56
    Damus Founder Anticipates Delisting From Apple App Store
  • Apple Rejects Bitcoin Wallet Zeus a Day After Threatening to Delist Damus
    04:23
    Apple Rejects Bitcoin Wallet Zeus a Day After Threatening to Delist Damus
  • “This marks one of the first times consumers can exchange USD for a service that runs entirely on crypto in the background,” Orchid CEO Steven “Seven” Waterhouse told CoinDesk via a spokesperson.

    Apple has long held a staunch anti-crypto stance, ranging from banning bitcoin purchases with its Apple Card to delisting apps that preform mining functions. At minimum, Orchid’s arrangement with the Cupertino, Calif., tech giant represents a slick workaround.

    “Before our launch in the app-store and MacOS, the Orchid network of private VPN bandwidth was reserved for people who were able to acquire the OXT needed to access the network using existing crypto wallets,” Waterhouse said. “Now, anyone can easily make an in-app purchase of the crypto-backed credits used to access the network.”

    Orchid rolled out an app for iPhone users earlier this month. The firm said it fast-tracked the development of the desktop version to meet the privacy needs of people working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    A similar VPN offering, HOPN, recently raised $1 million in seed round led by Binance Labs.

    Disclosure

    Please note that our privacy policy, terms of use, cookies, and do not sell my personal information has been updated.

    CoinDesk is an award-winning media outlet that covers the cryptocurrency industry. Its journalists abide by a strict set of editorial policies. In November 2023, CoinDesk was acquired by the Bullish group, owner of Bullish, a regulated, digital assets exchange. The Bullish group is majority-owned by Block.one; both companies have interests in a variety of blockchain and digital asset businesses and significant holdings of digital assets, including bitcoin. CoinDesk operates as an independent subsidiary with an editorial committee to protect journalistic independence. CoinDesk employees, including journalists, may receive options in the Bullish group as part of their compensation.


    Learn more about Consensus 2024, CoinDesk's longest-running and most influential event that brings together all sides of crypto, blockchain and Web3. Head to consensus.coindesk.com to register and buy your pass now.



    Read more about