Apple has removed the Bitcoin whitepaper hidden in the system files of macOS Ventura beta 3. The file was in a folder within the Image Capture app, and other random assets, such as PDF files and images.
The Bitcoin whitepaper was written by Satoshi Nakamoto in 2008 and described the concept of a decentralized digital currency that could be used as a peer-to-peer electronic cash system.
Many consider the document as the foundation of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.
Users discovered the inclusion of the Bitcoin whitepaper in macOS in 2018 when they found it in a folder called VirtualScanner.app.
This folder contained an internal tool that let Apple engineers simulate scanning and exporting documents and images with the Image Capture app without needing a scanner.
Apple’s possible reasons for removing the Bitcoin whitepaper
The most likely explanation is that the engineers previously did not bother to remove this tool from the public release of macOS since it didn’t include any sensitive information.
The Bitcoin whitepaper may have been used as a simple test file or inserted as a joke by an engineer interested in Bitcoin.
Apple has not officially announced or explained why it added the Bitcoin whitepaper to the system files. The inclusion of the document caused a stir among Bitcoin enthusiasts and the media, as it was the first time it was included in a mainstream operating system.
Following the release of macOS Ventura 13.4 beta 3 to developers on Tuesday, 9to5Mac has found that Apple has removed the Bitcoin whitepaper and the entire internal tool from the system files.
This confirms our original theory that the Bitcoin whitepaper and the internal tool were never meant to be found by regular users. By removing the file, Apple may also avoid any potential legal issues related to the copyright of Satoshi Nakamoto.
Impact of the Removal
The removal of the Bitcoin whitepaper from the macOS Ventura beta has caused mixed reactions from the Bitcoin community.
Some believe that including the document in the first place was a positive step for Bitcoin’s adoption, while others see the removal as a sign that Apple is turning its back on the cryptocurrency.
However, removing the Bitcoin whitepaper from macOS Ventura beta is unlikely to significantly impact the adoption or price of Bitcoin. The document is widely available online and can be easily accessed by anyone interested in reading it.
Conclusion
Apple’s decision to remove the Bitcoin whitepaper from macOS Ventura beta has sparked debate within the Bitcoin community. While some see the removal as a negative sign for Bitcoin’s adoption, others see it as a non-issue.
Ultimately, the removal’s impact is likely minimal, as the document is widely available online. It remains to be seen if Apple will explain the removal of the Bitcoin whitepaper.
While removing the Bitcoin whitepaper may not directly impact Bitcoin’s adoption or price, it raises questions about Apple’s stance towards cryptocurrencies.
Some cryptocurrency community members see the removal as a missed opportunity for Apple to embrace the technology. In contrast, others believe it is a signal that Apple may be working on its digital currency project.
