Crypto Market Update: Apple, Google Recruits Fuel Crypto Rumors
Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ether and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrencymarket news
Here's a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (September 23) as of 11:00 a.m. UTC.
Bitcoin price update
Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$85,904.75, trading 0.9 percent lower over the past 24 hours.
Bitcoin price chart
Chart via the Investing News Network
Bitcoin price performance, September 23, 2026.
Ether and altcoin price update
Bitcoin price performance, August 19, 2026.
- Ethereum (ETH) was priced at US$2,737.67, trading 1.1 percent lower over the last 24 hours.
- XRP (XRP) was priced at US$1.59, up 1.9 percent over the past 24 hours.
- Solana (SOL) was trading at US$117.58, trading 0.3 percent lower over the past 24 hours.
Today's crypto news to know
New Apple, Google job listings fuel crypto rumors
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google are recruiting senior employees with expertise in stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and blockchain infrastructure, further fueling rumors of crypto adoption.
Apple seeks a New York-based strategist to shape products for Apple Pay, supporting Apple Card and Apple Cash across credit cards, peer-to-peer transfers, and stored-value offerings. The company lists an understanding of "stablecoins, tokenized deposits, and blockchain technology" among its preferred qualifications for the role.
The job posting also notes that, "This role requires a strategic thinker who can blend analytical rigor with a strong business sense, formulate clear and compelling recommendations, and drive projects forward in a fast-paced, collaborative environment."
However, the listing does not state that Apple plans to add stablecoins or blockchain features to Apple Pay, Apple Cash, or Apple Card.
Meanwhile, Google Cloud is recruiting an Industry Principal Architect for Web3 in Hong Kong to advise institutional digital asset clients across the Asia-Pacific region.
"By identifying common architectural friction points across the industry, you will author reusable reference architectures, influence Google's Web3 product roadmap, and establish Google Cloud as the cloud of choice for Web3 builders and institutional adopters," Google wrote in its listing.
Google already operates blockchain infrastructure and supports the Open USD stablecoin project alongside major financial and technology partners like Visa (NYSE:V), Mastercard (NYSE:MA), Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN), and Shopify (TSX:SHOP,NASDAQ:SHOP).
Binance takes US$100 million equity stake in Circle
Binance acquired a US$100 million equity stake in Circle Internet Group (NYSE:CRCL), the company behind the dollar-pegged USDC stablecoin.
Circle issued 1,237,011 Class A common shares to Binance at $80.84 per share through a private placement that closed on September 17. The US$80.84 per-share price represented a discount to Circle's market value at the time of the sale.
The transaction includes an expanded five-year commercial agreement that replaces prior arrangements established in November 2024 and August 2025.
Contract terms prevent Binance from selling, transferring, pledging, or hedging the equity shares for up to two years while preserving its voting rights.
Meanwhile, Circle will pay Binance a monthly incentive fee based on a percentage of USDC held through Circle's Modular Smart Contract Wallet service.
Binance committed to conducting additional promotional activities for USDC across its trading venue under the revamped commercial agreement.
CME Group expands regulated derivatives lineup
CME Group (NASDAQ:CME) announced plans to launch regulated Bitcoin Cash and Uniswap futures contracts on October 19, pending regulatory review.
The exchange will offer standard-sized contracts covering 250 BCH and 10,000 UNI alongside micro contracts representing 25 BCH and 1,000 UNI.
Bitcoin Cash trades at US$338 per coin with a $6 billion market capitalization, while Uniswap's native token UNI trades at US$9.28 with a US$5.75 billion market cap.
CME previously expanded its crypto offerings by introducing Cardano, Chainlink, Stellar, Avalanche, and Sui futures, generating over US$1 billion in total notional value year-to-date.
The exchange's crypto suite averaged 279,800 contracts daily worth US$8.3 billion in notional volume during the first half of 2026.
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Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
