Apple Removes Bitcoin Whitepaper From macOS Ventura Beta
Apple has removed the original Bitcoin whitepaper from the internal files of its latest macOS Ventura beta version. The whitepaper was discovered a few weeks ago by users in every copy of macOS, hidden in internal files. However, Apple never commented on why the file was present. Speculation suggested it was just a joke among Apple engineers.
Following the release of macOS Ventura 13.4 beta 3 to developers on Tuesday, Apple has removed the Bitcoin white paper hidden in system files, according to 9to5mac. The community previously discovered that someone had hidden the Bitcoin white paper in every copy of MacOS since…
— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) April 26, 2023
Apple’s hidden Bitcoin Whitepaper
After the release of macOS Ventura 13.4 beta 3 to developers on Tuesday, 9to5Mac discovered that the Bitcoin whitepaper had been removed from the system files. The file was found in a folder within the Image Capture app along with other PDF files and images. These assets were part of an internal tool called “VirtualScanner.app” that allowed Apple engineers to simulate the process of scanning and exporting documents and images with the Image Capture app without needing a scanner. The entire internal tool has also been removed from the beta.
The removal of the internal tool and the Bitcoin whitepaper from the public release of macOS suggests that both were not meant to be found by regular users. Apple probably did not bother to remove this tool from the public release of macOS since it did not contain any sensitive information. It also suggests that the inclusion of the Bitcoin whitepaper was not intentional but rather a remnant from the internal tool.
Bitcoin’s Mainstream Acceptance questioned
The discovery of the Bitcoin whitepaper in the macOS internal files had caused a stir among the cryptocurrency community, as it was seen as a recognition of the importance of Bitcoin by one of the world’s biggest tech companies. However, the removal of the file may disappoint those who saw it as a sign of increasing acceptance of Bitcoin in mainstream circles.
The removal of the Bitcoin whitepaper from the macOS internal files may not have any significant impact on the cryptocurrency market. Still, it is an interesting footnote in the ongoing debate about the legitimacy of cryptocurrencies and their place in the mainstream financial system.
