Several major technology companies – including Apple, Google, X, and Airbnb – are reportedly exploring the use of stablecoins in their platforms, according to sources cited in a recent Fortune report.
These early-stage discussions, held privately between these firms and cryptocurrency companies, mark a potential turning point in the wider adoption of blockchain-based payment systems.
The talks are reportedly focused on how stablecoins could be used to reduce the cost of financial transactions and simplify cross-border payments.
The sources, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations, indicated that current financial systems remain slow and expensive, particularly for global transactions. Stablecoins are increasingly being seen as a solution to these challenges.
Unlike traditional cryptocurrencies, stablecoins are digital assets pegged to fiat currencies such as the US dollar.
This peg is designed to offer the benefits of blockchain technology while avoiding the volatility typically associated with digital currencies.
As banks and fintech companies grow more comfortable with the use of stablecoins, Silicon Valley’s biggest players are taking note.
The interest is not confined to just the four companies named. Meta, for instance, is reportedly looking again at payment technologies after shelving its earlier Diem project due to regulatory pressure.
Meanwhile, Uber is publicly acknowledging its interest in the space. At a recent Bloomberg Tech Summit, Uber CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, confirmed that the company is currently assessing the use of stablecoins for international transfers.
“We are in the study phase”, Khosrowshahi said, noting that stablecoins offer the potential to improve efficiency and reduce costs in global payments.
The growing interest from these companies points to a broader trend – one in which blockchain-based payment systems may soon become a routine part of mainstream digital platforms, impacting billions of users around the world.
Considering the practical benefits of stablecoins
According to the Fortune report, Apple is in direct discussions with crypto companies to explore the potential integration of stablecoins into its services.
This marks a notable development for the tech giant, which, despite its vast $3 trillion market capitalisation, has so far remained cautious in its approach to cryptocurrencies.
Apple CEO, Tim Cook, previously revealed in 2021 that he personally holds cryptocurrency. However, he also made it clear that Apple itself has no plans to purchase digital assets.
While Apple has dabbled in blockchain-related initiatives – such as supply chain management – its corporate stance has largely avoided any direct involvement with cryptocurrencies.
Back in 2019, the company mentioned blockchain in a regulatory filing as a potential tool for tracking materials in its global supply chain.
Since then, Apple has largely kept silent on crypto topics, although external voices have encouraged it to do more.
Strategy CEO, Michael Saylor, for instance, stated last October that Apple should consider purchasing $100 billion worth of Bitcoin. Nonetheless, it remains highly unlikely that Apple will invest directly in Bitcoin or similar volatile assets.
That said, stablecoins may offer a more palatable path forward. Their price stability and utility in cross-border payments make them more attractive to large companies that prioritise financial efficiency.
Alphabet, Airbnb, and other major firms are reportedly having similar conversations, suggesting that stablecoin integration could soon become a standard consideration across the industry.
“Stablecoins could finally be the killer app the industry has been waiting for”, noted an analyst familiar with the ongoing talks.
The technology’s promise of cheaper and faster transactions could be the key to bringing blockchain to the masses, particularly through widely used platforms like those operated by Apple and Google.
Meta, too, appears to be re-evaluating its stance. Having previously abandoned its Diem project under regulatory scrutiny, the company is reportedly revisiting the idea of blockchain-based payments.
If implemented, such a move could see stablecoin transactions embedded directly into the Meta ecosystem, which includes WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.
Uber’s approach provides yet another example of growing corporate interest. During the Bloomberg event, Khosrowshahi made it clear that the company sees practical value in stablecoins.
“Stablecoins have a practical benefit”, he said, distinguishing them from more volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which he believes lack clear utility for the company’s needs.
Legislation and global momentum fuel institutional interest
The push toward stablecoin adoption by technology firms is not happening in isolation. It coincides with increased legislative attention and global momentum in the sector.
In the United States, the GENIUS Act – recently endorsed by former President Donald Trump – is aimed at regulating stablecoin transactions.
The proposed legislation could set a precedent for global regulatory standards and drive further adoption among major companies.
Major American banks, including Bank of America, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo, are also said to be exploring a joint stablecoin initiative through their subsidiaries.
These efforts underline the belief that stablecoins could redefine how financial transactions are conducted in the near future.
The Head of US at Foresight Ventures, Alice Li, expressed strong confidence in the potential of stablecoins.
“Stablecoin will be one of the strongest places that I would invest long term. It has set a great innovation frontier for the rest of the world, and I believe that all the other countries, especially Asian countries, Singapore, and Hong Kong, will quickly follow”, she said
Indeed, Hong Kong recently introduced stablecoin legislation that aligns closely with US standards, indicating a shared global direction.
This synchronisation between jurisdictions could simplify cross-border operations for businesses and accelerate institutional uptake.
Data from CoinMarketCap shows the dominant position of Tether ($USDT) in the stablecoin market. With a market capitalisation of $154.21 billion and a 24-hour trading volume of $100.46 billion, Tether remains a key player.
Over the past 90 days, its price has changed by just 0.08%, highlighting the stability that these digital assets are designed to offer even amid volatile markets.
Research also suggests that legislation like the GENIUS Act could reshape financial and technological frameworks, introducing new efficiencies in payment systems. As regulatory clarity increases, the barriers to institutional and enterprise adoption diminish.
The combination of corporate interest, supportive regulation, and demonstrated technological maturity is positioning stablecoins at the forefront of digital innovation.
From Apple and Google to Uber and Meta, some of the world’s most influential companies are now taking a closer look – potentially setting the stage for the next chapter in digital finance.
