ION’s Online+ App Approved by Apple and Google Play Stores, Team Shares Launch Details | BSCN (fka BSC News)

Ice Open Network (ION) announced that the Online+ app has officially passed review and received approval from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This approval marks a critical milestone for the Layer-1 blockchain platform, designed to empower users with control over their data and digital interactions

However, despite the green light from major app stores, the launch of Online+ has been delayed to ensure a polished and scalable product, as detailed in the protocol’s latest X post.

Online+ Approval: A Step Forward for Decentralized Technology

In the post, Ice Open Network shared the exciting news about the approval, which signifies that Online+ meets the rigorous standards of two of the world’s largest app distribution platforms, paving the way for widespread accessibility.

“We’re excited to share that Online+ has officially passed review and is now approved by both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. This is a major milestone—and a strong signal that launch is getting close,” the post read

Online+ is built on the ION blockchain, a platform designed to handle millions of requests per second and cater to billions of users. The app integrates features like ION Social, ION Chat, and ION Wallet, offering users a decentralized experience with tools for posting, messaging, NFTs, and digital asset management across 17+ blockchains

Prioritizing Quality Over Speed

Despite the approval, Ice Open Network has opted to “hold” the launch of Online+. The platform addressed community expectations head-on. The decision stems from the app’s ambitious scope. The team emphasizes that it is not a typical minimum viable product (MVP) launch. Instead, they are focused on delivering “a polished, scalable product that can handle day-one momentum without breaking.”

As the post explains, “We’ve heard the feedback from parts of the community—some say ‘just launch it and fix things later.’ But here’s the truth: we’re not just launching another app. We’re launching a decentralized social network, backed by millions of users and 1,000+ verified creators already onboarded.”

This approach reflects the unique challenge of catering to both Web3 pioneers and mainstream users, supported by an engaged community and a robust ecosystem. The delay underscores ION’s commitment to building a sustainable platform rather than rushing a release.

Development Challenges and Ongoing Progress

The original launch target for Online+ was set for June 2025, but development hurdles have pushed this timeline back

“We originally estimated a June launch, but as often happens in development, some things took longer than expected. Specifically, the consensus mechanism—the core of our decentralized social infrastructure—turned out to be more challenging and time-consuming than anticipated. It’s one of the most critical parts of the system, and we refuse to compromise on it.”

Despite the delay, the ION team has remained active, maintaining a fully public GitHub repository that allows the community to verify daily commits, including late-night and weekend efforts. In June 2025, the team expanded its Flutter development team to accelerate progress and support the next wave of features. This transparency and dedication highlight ION’s ongoing efforts to refine Online+ for a successful launch.

Another key development is the $ION token exchange integration, targeted for the end of August 2025. However, the team has disclosed that the process may take time because it involves not only listing but also coordinating the migration across multiple exchanges simultaneously to ensure consistency, liquidity alignment, and a smooth transition for all users. Active discussions with exchange platforms are underway to ensure a seamless process, reflecting the complexity of integrating a new token into the global cryptocurrency market.

The Long-Term Vision of Ice Open Network

Ice Open Network is more than a blockchain platform; it is a movement toward a decentralized future

The X post articulates this vision clearly: “This isn’t about launching just to say we launched. It’s about creating something sustainable. Something real. Something that reflects the vision we all share—a network for the people, by the people, where creators and communities finally take ownership.”

The ION blockchain, built on a scalable infrastructure, supports features like ION ID for decentralized identity management, ION Connect for social media, and ION Vault for secure storage using quantum-resistant cryptography. With over 40 million users and a community-driven approach, ION is positioned to revolutionize how people interact online. The launch of Online+ is seen as a showcase of these capabilities, with the team promising that it is close, and when it is launched, users will “feel the difference.”

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Decentralized Social Networks

Moving forward, Online+ remains approved but unlaunched, with Ice Open Network prioritizing quality and scalability. The delay, driven by the need to perfect the consensus mechanism and coordinate $ION token integration, reflects a strategic approach to building a sustainable decentralized social network. With a strong community backing and a clear vision for user empowerment, ION is poised to make a significant impact in the Web3 space.