Tech giants explore stablecoin integration
Tech behemoths Apple, Google, Airbnb, and X (formerly Twitter), among others, are reportedly exploring the integration of stablecoins into their platforms, according to multiple industry sources familiar with the matter.
Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies pegged to stable assets, such as the US dollar. They provide the advantages of blockchain but without the volatility that has plagued more traditional crypto tokens like Bitcoin.
These discussions are occurring as demand increases for faster, cheaper cross-border payments. The positives are also obvious for tech companies like Airbnb, which are globally reachable. Accepting stablecoins could also avert steep fees charged by credit card networks such as Visa and Mastercard.
An Airbnb spokesperson said that the company is “always looking at all aspects of payments” for improving user experience, but it is also looking into digital assets.
According to previous reports, X has reportedly expressed an interest in adding stablecoin payments to its upcoming payments product, X Money.
According to sources, Elon Musk’s team has been in touch with crypto companies, and the company is in talks with Stripe about integration. The aim is to realize Musk’s ideal of an “everything app” that blends social media, payments, and commerce.
Apple is also keen on stablecoin functionality through its Apple Pay infrastructure. Sources hint the tech firm has been in talks with Circle, the minters of the hugely popular USDC stablecoin, since early this year.
Google was interested, too, it was reported. Rich Widmann, who leads Web3 strategy at Google Cloud, has called stablecoins “one of the biggest upgrades to payments since the SWIFT network.”
Stripe bets on stablecoins with bold acquisition
Stripe, one of the world’s largest payment processors, has made a bold bet. It recently purchased Bridge, a stablecoin infrastructure startup with funding from vendor capital firm Haun Ventures. Bridge has been working on tools to enable businesses to implement stablecoin payments quickly and securely.
Stripe’s purchase of Bridge was interpreted as a sign that stablecoins have turned the corner in Silicon Valley. The deal also gave Stripe a technical advantage — Bridge’s infrastructure will be used to assist Stripe in making it possible for accounts and payments to be made in a stablecoin, which is important for global freelancers and marketplaces.
Visa has followed suit by rolling out pilots for issuing stablecoin-linked cards with Bridge in April 2025.
The sources say Airbnb is discussing with one of its existing payment partners the incorporation of one of the popular stablecoins to facilitate easy payment processes. Worldpay recently disclosed that it would facilitate stablecoin payouts by partnering with BNVK, a crypto infrastructure provider.
Trump administration eases crypto regulations
In the United States, legislators are considering two bills to regulate stablecoins. The most high-profile, known as the GENIUS Act, details consumer protections, reserve requirements, and oversight mechanisms for issuers of digital dollars.
Big Tech was hesitant about crypto in part because of scrutiny under the Biden administration. But the political winds are shifting.
The second term of Donald Trump has injected vitality into the realm of blockchain. His administration has pursued a more hands-off approach, pushing agencies to roll back rules and embrace crypto innovation. This policy change has reawakened some dormant dreams.
Two years after regulatory opposition forced Meta to mothball its Diem stablecoin project, the parent company reconsidered its views on crypto payments.
Uber’s chief executive, Dara Khosrowshahi, said recently that the ride-hailing company is examining the use of stablecoins for its global transfers. Uber’s interest is further evidence of a broader trend circulating throughout tech circles, not just a niche idea.
For now, the tone is most cautious among most firms, including Google and Airbnb. They are not promising instant launches. However, their research, alliances, and internal experiments indicate that they are gaining confidence in the future for stablecoins.
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Original reporting: cryptopolitan.com
