Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) Acknowledges Cryptocurrency Interest, But Don't Expect Anything Soon

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) has an interest in cryptocurrencies, but the iPhone maker is merely "watching" the space for the time being, CNBC reported Thursday. Jennifer Bailey, vice president at Apple Pay, said at a private CNN event that cryptocurrencies have "interesting long-term potential," according to a transcript of a conversation reviewed by CNBC. Yet Apple remains focused on what consumers use for the time being, while Bitcoin and other digital coins aren't accepted as payment on any of its platforms. Apple doesn't have any existing cryptocurrency-related projects that are ongoing, in contrast to some of its tech giant peers. For example, Facebook, Inc. (NASDAQ: FB) is launching its own digital currency, Libra, next year.