TLDR
- Coinbase has rebranded its Coinbase Wallet as “Base App,” transforming it into a crypto “everything app” combining social media, trading, payments, and mini-applications
- The app integrates Farcaster social network where creators can earn directly from tokenized posts without follower requirements
- Features include NFC tap-to-pay with USDC stablecoin, integrated crypto trading, encrypted messaging, and hundreds of Web3 mini apps
- Base App includes a unified Web3 identity system called “Base Account” for signing into various online services
- The app is currently in beta with a waitlist, competing with super apps like WeChat and Alipay
Coinbase announced the launch of its Base App on Wednesday, marking a major transformation from its original Coinbase Wallet. The new platform aims to become a comprehensive “everything app” for crypto users.
The company unveiled the Base App at its “A New Day One” conference in Los Angeles. The app combines wallet functionality with social media, trading, payments, and mini-applications in a single platform.
Hello from @baseapp
Coinbase Wallet is now much more than a wallet. Your new home to create, earn, trade, discover apps, and chat with friends all in one place. pic.twitter.com/LICIDJwvEE
— Base app (@baseapp) July 16, 2025
John Granata, head of product for the Base App, said the firm built the app to “expand economic freedom, creativity, and innovation.” The app represents Coinbase’s entry into the super app market, competing with platforms like WeChat and Alipay.
The Base App features an open social network powered by Farcaster protocol. Users can post content, chat, and earn directly from their posts without needing minimum follower counts or brand deals.
All posts on the platform are tokenized using Zora technology. This allows creators to monetize their content without traditional advertising models or influencer requirements.
The app includes integrated trading capabilities where users can buy, sell, and swap cryptocurrencies directly within the social feed. Users can also access decentralized exchanges like Uniswap and Aerodrome.
Payment Features and NFC Technology
Base Pay enables NFC-powered tap-to-pay payments using Circle’s USDC stablecoin. Users can make instant transfers by tapping their phones for both online shopping and peer-to-peer transactions.
The payment system targets everyday use cases beyond traditional crypto trading. This represents an attempt to bring crypto payments into mainstream commerce.
The app includes hundreds of embedded mini-applications for gaming, yield farming, and prediction markets. These Web3 mini apps can be discovered and used directly within the Base App platform.
Enhanced chat functionality provides end-to-end encrypted messaging with AI agents for trading and transactions. The messaging system integrates financial services with communication features.
Web3 Identity and Technical Upgrades
Base App launches with Base Account, a universal Web3 login and identity system. This feature allows users to sign into various online services using their Base credentials, similar to Google or Apple account systems.
The “Sign in with Base” feature lets users carry their credentials across different applications. This aims to provide users with greater control over their data and digital identity.
Coinbase’s Ethereum Layer-2 blockchain, now rebranded as “Basechain,” received a “Flashblocks” upgrade. The upgrade reduces block times to 200 milliseconds for faster user experiences.
Base creator Jesse Pollack posted the first tokenized post on the Base App, calling it a “new day one for Base and our brand.” The post was accompanied by a selfie with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong.
The Base App is currently in beta and available to users on a waitlist. A public rollout is expected soon as the platform expands its user base.
