Coinbase Unveils Base App: A Bold Step Toward Crypto’s First ‘Everything App’

In a major strategic shift unveiled during its “A New Day One” event, Coinbase has rebranded its Coinbase Wallet into the Base App, aiming to build the world’s first “everything app” for crypto users. This move marks a significant evolution—from a simple wallet to a multi-functional, blockchain-native platform that blends social media, payments, trading, and messaging into one seamless ecosystem.

🚀 Base App: A Crypto Super App in the Making

Coinbase describes the new app as “more than a chain”, framing it as a next-generation platform for users to create, earn, trade, chat, and discover apps—all within a single interface. Inspired by Asia’s super app models like WeChat, Base App is designed to take crypto to the mainstream, beyond just Web3 natives.

🧩 Key Features of the Base App

1. Creator-Centric Monetization

Every post becomes a coin via Zora, instantly monetizable

No follower minimums, brand sponsorships, or geographic restrictions

Direct user-to-creator tipping and collecting functionality

2. Built-in Financial Tools

High-yield savings: Earn up to 4.1% APY by holding USDC

Free, instant global payments using USDC

1% cashback (planned) via Shopify integration, with no fees for merchants

3. Unified Blockchain Experience

Universal identity: Sign in across dApps and platforms with “Sign in with Base”

Mini-app ecosystem: Integrated DeFi, games, and utilities—no separate downloads

Social trading: Follow friends’ swaps and trades

Private messaging: Encrypted chats with integrated money transfers via XMTP

⚠️ Note: The existing Coinbase Wallet remains operational. Users must join the waitlist at base.app to access the new experience.

🔧 Technical Architecture: A Three-Tiered Stack

• Base App runs on an open stack comprising:
• Base Chain – Layer 2 blockchain infrastructure
• Base Build – Developer tools and APIs
• Base App – Consumer-facing interface for everyday users

This modular approach aims to support a broad range of builders and creators, forming the backbone of what Coinbase sees as the future of the onchain economy.

📱 Aiming for WeChat-Level Utility

Coinbase’s Base App mirrors the functionality of WeChat, which revolutionized digital life in China by merging chat, payments, shopping, and services into one app with 1 billion+ users. However, Coinbase faces different cultural and regulatory challenges in Western markets, where app ecosystems are fragmented and data privacy is a growing concern.

📉 Strategic Shift Away from Trading Revenue

Coinbase’s pivot toward utility-based services signals a shift away from reliance on trading fees. Despite generating over $6.6 billion in revenue in 2024, volatility in crypto trading has prompted the company to look for more sustainable income streams, like subscriptions and fintech integrations.

CNBC described the Base App as a play to attract “a new generation of users who aren’t primarily interested in crypto investing but want the benefits of onchain tools.”

🛍️ Universal Payments & Commerce

Base Pay, the app’s integrated payment system, delivers:

• Express checkout using USDC
• Integration with Shopify, enabling millions of merchants to accept crypto
• Planned 1% cashback for users paying with USDC
• With Base Account, users gain a universal login system similar to Google or Facebook Sign-In—only tailored for Web3 and decentralized apps.

✅ Final Thoughts

Coinbase’s Base App is more than a rebrand—it's a bold blueprint for the future of crypto adoption. By merging content creation, finance, messaging, and decentralized apps into one accessible hub, Coinbase is betting on a Web3 evolution powered by real-world utility, not just speculation.

Still, the path forward hinges on user adoption, regulatory clarity, and the platform’s ability to remain true to decentralized principles while simplifying the blockchain experience for everyday users.