Coinbase Launches Base App, Evolving Coinbase Wallet into All-in-One Web3 Platform

On July 16, Coinbase officially launched the Base App, a next-generation platform designed to replace the traditional Coinbase Wallet. This move marks a significant shift for the company as it expands beyond crypto trading into a more immersive and creator-driven Web3 ecosystem.

Unlike standard crypto wallets, the Base App is built to integrate social networking, digital identity, decentralized applications, and seamless payments, all powered by Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer 2 network. With this all-in-one app, users can interact with Web3 content without jumping between platforms.

"We believe the next chapter of the internet won’t come from big platforms. It’ll come from creators,” Coinbase stated in its official release. "That’s why we rebuilt the Base app from the ground up, not just as a wallet, but as a new kind of open social network."

The Base App beta is now rolling out to users on the waitlist.

Inside the Base Account and Base App

At the core of the Base App is the Base Account, a universal identity layer for Web3. Every user who signs up is issued a Base Account, enabling them to "Sign in with Base" across a growing number of dApps and chains. This identity system is designed for portability and will soon extend to more platforms, allowing users to maintain consistent profiles throughout the decentralized web.

With the Base Account serving as your onchain passport, the Base App brings that identity to life by integrating wallet functionality, social tools, and a growing suite of mini apps, all within one seamless interface.

Key Features of the Base App

• Unified Onchain Experience: Combines wallet, social feed, apps, and payments into a single streamlined interface.

• Onchain Mini Apps: Directly interact with decentralized applications from within your social feed. Highlights include:

  • Remix – Instantly build and play games using AI tools.

  • Noice – Automatically tip creators through likes and comments.

  • Decentralized Pictures – Remix and reward onchain movie content.

• Trade seamlessly: Buy, sell, and swap millions of onchain coins directly in the Base app with fast, integrated flows—fully self-custodial.

• Instant USDC transfers: Send or receive USDC instantly using NFC tap-to-pay with no fees.

• Own your profile: Customize and theme your social profile—it's portable across platforms.

• Passive income with USDC: Earn up to *4.1% APY just by holding USDC with rewards activated.

The Base app has now launched 15 mini apps to date, all accessible within the platform.

The Social Layer: A Decentralized Network Powered by Farcaster

In addition to onchain utilities, the Base App features a decentralized social network built on Farcaster. Unlike traditional platforms, it gives users full ownership of their content and identity. The system allows creators to monetize posts directly and introduces new earning models through tipping, content-as-assets, and onchain rewards.

Key Features include:

• Decentralized Control: Users own their content and identity with no central authority dictates what stays or gets removed.

• Creator Monetization: Every post is tokenized (via Zora), allowing creators to earn income without relying on followers or sponsors.

• Accessible Earnings: Anyone, anywhere can start earning from day one with no geographical or platform barriers.

• Integrated Social Trading: Users can view and copy trades from their network directly within the feed.

• Weekly Creator Rewards: Active contributors receive in-app payouts for top content and engagement, tracked directly in the app.

Coinbase and Shopify Launch Base Pay: Fast USDC Payments Go Live for Merchants

Coinbase has officially launched Base Pay, a new express checkout system designed to streamline USDC transactions. This feature enables rapid onchain payments through Shopify, marking a major step toward mainstream crypto adoption in e-commerce.

As of July 16, Shopify merchants can now offer Base Pay as a payment option at checkout. Customers using USDC on Base will enjoy a seamless transaction experience, with U.S. users receiving 1% cashback on purchases. The integration began in June, following Coinbase’s partnership with Shopify to bring onchain commerce to millions of storefronts. Merchants are paid out automatically in their local currency, avoiding foreign exchange and multi-currency fees.

“We’re going to roll this out to every merchant. Brands like Erewhon are already supporting USDC payments,” said Alex Danco, Product Director at Shopify.

Base Pay is open to all developers and merchants interested in accepting USDC, offering a fast, efficient, and cost-effective way to process digital payments.

Looking Ahead

With Base App, Base Account, and Base Pay, Coinbase is pivoting toward a unified, creator-first onchain ecosystem. By combining identity, apps, social, and commerce in one platform, it sets the stage for how the next wave of users may enter the open internet.