Sam Altman, co-founder of OpenAI, has reimagined the World app (formerly Worldcoin) as a comprehensive "super-app" that integrates secure messaging, borderless finance, and proof-of-humanity features.
Launched on December 11, 2025, this update positions World as a platform for real human connections in an AI-dominated era, emphasizing privacy, seamless payments, and tools to distinguish humans from bots.
The app, available in over 100 countries and compatible with 98% of Android devices and 95% of iPhones, requires no personal information for signup, making it accessible to a broad audience.
With 20 million verified users and ambitions for a billion, World aims to create a "real human network" through innovations like World Chat and expanded crypto capabilities. This article explores the key features, supplemented with facts from the announcement and related developments.
World Chat: Encrypted Messaging with Human Verification
At the core of the update is World Chat, an end-to-end encrypted messenger built on the XMTP protocol, offering privacy on par with Signal.
It supports text, groups, photo/video sharing, and integrates payments directly in conversations - allowing users to send funds, split bills, or wrap transfers as gifts with animations.
The standout feature is color-coded bubbles: blue for messages from verified humans (via World ID), gray for unverified, helping users instantly identify potential bots or AI.
Profile pictures are verified against Orb-scanned photos stored on-device, enhancing trust without compromising privacy.
This system addresses Altman's vision of combating AI impersonation, with verified badges and privacy-preserving age assurance (proving age thresholds without revealing details). Partnerships like Tinder's integration in Japan use these for safer online interactions.
Enhanced Payments: Virtual Accounts and Multi-Asset Support
The app's payment system has evolved into a full-fledged global finance hub. Users can create virtual bank accounts in 18 countries (including the US, Japan, and Latin America) to receive payroll or transfers directly in USDC, with 24/7 conversions from USD and no in-app fees. It supports over 100 tokens, including USDC, EURC, wrapped BTC and ETH, tokenized gold, and local stablecoins like wMXN, wARS, wCLP, wBRL, wPEN, and wCOP. Swaps and trades across assets are seamless, with no fees within the app.
In Argentina, users can pay at over one million merchants via QR codes, marking a real-world utility milestone. Early 2026 will bring the World Card, supporting Apple Pay and tap-to-pay in the US and beyond. Powered by Bridge, these features aim to make stablecoins accessible without blockchain complexity.
Earn Feature: High-Yield Rewards for Verified Users
The new Earn product lets verified users earn variable rewards on assets: up to 15% APY on the first $1,000 in USDC and 18% APY on the first 1,000 WLD. Rates are not guaranteed and use proof-of-humanity to prevent abuse.
At launch, it supports WLD, USDC, EURC, wARS, Bitcoin, and Ethereum, with more additions planned. This incentivizes verification while providing financial perks.
Verification with Orb: Portable and Privacy-Focused
Verification relies on the Orb device, which scans irises to create a unique, encrypted IrisCode for World ID - proving humanity without storing biometric data. The new Orb Mini, a portable version for home use, connects to smartphones for quick scans, enhancing accessibility.
Priced affordably (exact cost not specified in announcements), it's rolling out in the US with 7,500 scanners planned by end-2025, expanding globally in 2026. World ID focuses on "humanity" confirmation, not identity tracking, and integrates with apps like Tinder for bot-free experiences.
With nearly 20 million verified users, Altman's goal is one billion, positioning World as a global identity layer.
Mini Apps: An Open Platform for Third-Party Tools
Mini Apps bring third-party functionalities into World, including prediction markets from Kalshi and Polymarket, games, polls, and savings tools - all optimized for verified humans. Developers can build and deploy web apps easily, with the ecosystem boasting over two billion opens in a year. These run in chats or standalone, fostering a vibrant, human-centric app store.
Global Reach and Future Outlook
The app's launch emphasizes inclusivity: no fees for core functions, broad device support, and multilingual interfaces. In regions like Latin America, virtual accounts enable stablecoin access for underserved populations. Disclaimers note it's not a financial institution, with risks in volatile assets.
This evolution from a crypto wallet to a super-app aligns with Altman's vision of a bot-resistant digital world. As partnerships grow, World could redefine online interactions, blending finance, communication, and identity in one privacy-focused platform.
Also read:
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- Netflix's Creator Pivot: Betting Big on YouTube Stars to Challenge the Platform's Dominance
- Apple's Ambitious iPhone Roadmap: Foldables, Curved Glass, and a Lineup Expansion to Seven Models
Author: Slava Vasipenok
Founder and CEO of QUASA (quasa.io) - Daily insights on Web3, AI, Crypto, and Freelance. Stay updated on finance, technology trends, and creator tools - with sources and real value.
Innovative entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in IT, fintech, and blockchain. Specializes in decentralized solutions for freelancing, helping to overcome the barriers of traditional finance, especially in developing regions.
This is not financial or investment advice. Always do your own research (DYOR).
