Sam Altman’s World App Adds Encrypted Chat and Crypto Payments
Sam Altman’s World, a biometric identity-verification project, has rolled out a major app update that now includes encrypted chat and crypto payment features.
The upgrade allows users to send, deposit, and withdraw cryptocurrencies directly through the World Wallet and virtual accounts—similar to how Venmo works for traditional money.
The app now supports USDC, EURC, wrapped Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 100 other cryptocurrencies, the company announced Thursday.
World Becomes a “Super App”
Launched in 2023, World’s mission is to verify real human identities in an era of AI-driven manipulation. At a San Francisco event on Thursday, Altman and co-founder and CEO Alex Blania showcased the new features, with developers describing the upgraded app as a “super app.”
Altman told Mezha, “It’s really hard to identify unique people while preserving privacy.”
To protect conversations, chat messages now appear in blue for verified users and gray for those who haven’t verified. Profile photos are also cross-checked against the Orb image stored on a user’s device.
Virtual Bank Accounts and Expanded Crypto Features
In May, World introduced iris-scanning in the U.S., allowing users to verify their identity in about 30 seconds, creating a unique “IrisCode.”
The latest version now adds virtual bank accounts, letting users receive salaries, make deposits, and convert funds into cryptocurrency directly within the app.
Beyond transfers, users can swap and trade over 100 assets, including World Chain native tokens and tokenized real-world assets like gold.
Building a Unified Crypto Ecosystem
The update reflects World’s goal of creating a more integrated ecosystem, making crypto easier to use. With encrypted messaging, in-app payments, virtual accounts, and support for a wide range of assets, World is positioning itself as a one-stop platform for digital identity and financial management.
