Sam Altman's World Project Upgrades App with Encrypted Chat and Crypto Payment Features
On December 11, 2025, at World HQ in San Francisco, the World's biometric identity-verification project announced a significant update to its app, now branded as the "World App." This upgrade introduces encrypted chat and in-chat cryptocurrency payment capabilities, positioning the app as a "Super App" with end-to-end encryption, crypto integration, and Mini Apps.
The World App now supports sending, depositing, and withdrawing cryptocurrencies through the World Wallet and virtual accounts. Supported currencies include USDC, EURC, wrapped Bitcoin, Ethereum, and over 100 additional tokens. Virtual bank accounts allow users to receive salaries directly within the app and convert these funds into cryptocurrency after deposits from bank accounts.
Chat privacy features include blue bubbles indicating verified humans and gray bubbles for unverified users, with profile photos cross-checked against an on-device Orb image to enhance security. The platform continues to operate as a digital wallet supporting World Chain native tokens and real-world asset (RWA) tokenized assets such as gold.
In May 2025, World launched iris-scanning verification for US customers, creating an IrisCode for seamless identity verification. Since its original launch in 2023, the project has focused on expanding partnerships and building an integrated ecosystem centered on ease of cryptocurrency use and global payments.
