Apple computers have recently been discovered to harbor an exciting secret: the Bitcoin white paper, authored by the enigmatic Satoshi Nakamoto, is hidden within the system files of macOS Catalina and later versions. The unexpected find was brought to light on Nakamoto’s 48th birthday by independent blogger, Andy Baio.
Baio stumbled upon the document, aptly named “simpledoc.pdf,” while troubleshooting a wireless printer/scanner issue on his Apple computer. According to Baio, the white paper can be found on all up-to-date versions of macOS, but the reason for its discreet placement remains a mystery.
The discovery adds a curious twist to Apple’s already complex relationship with the blockchain and cryptocurrency world. In the latter half of 2022, the tech giant permitted non-fungible tokens (NFTs) to be traded via apps on the App Store. This move was intended to facilitate NFT sales within applications and integrate tokens into future apps.
To capitalize on the burgeoning NFT market, Apple implemented a tiered revenue-sharing model with app developers, taking a 30% cut from those earning over $1 million through its store and a 15% share from those earning less. With the intriguing discovery of the Bitcoin white paper on macOS, Apple’s connection to the cryptocurrency realm continues to captivate and puzzle enthusiasts and casual users alike.