We’re a far cry from the days of web3 platforms being unlocked almost exclusively through the decryption of a 40-messages-long Reddit thread, though, we’re still nowhere near the level of accessibility we need to be able to make the new internet usable to all.
Problematic as it may be, one notable web2 perk in comparison to its decentralized counterpart is the overwhelming sense of familiarity it provides in its UX strengths — so much so, that there are enough email addresses and social media handles to account for every single human being on earth (…and then some). In fact, with accessibility advancements across Passkeys, profiles, and handles dominating how the majority of us regularly access the internet today, the ability to perform countless activities without batting an eyelid is an almost expected experience for billions of digital users every day.
The new internet holds great promise, but for anyone to really be able to benefit from it, it needs to be just as accessible. That’s why we introduced Universal Wallets — the simplest way to access the best of the new internet.
The power of web3 — without the UX tradeoffs
Universal Wallets provides web3 users across multiple apps the ability to access and traverse the new internet with just a social handle or email address, unlocking ownership and sovereignty without sacrificing the comforts they’re familiar with from the apps they’re used to.
Taking a quick look under the hood, AppKit’s Universal Wallets, embedded into the AppKit Modal, are packed with UX and security-first features designed to empower a world of users by simplifying and securing their first few steps into the ecosystem, as well as enabling existing web3 users to enjoy new routes of access to their favorite apps. Some key features include:
🌎 Universal reach across the ecosystem
Users can access any AppKit-integrated app with the same social handle or email address, and instantly unlock the same wallet, handle, and funds they created and used with another application previously.
🪄 Powered by Smart Accounts
Built in partnership with Safe, when a user creates a Universal Wallet they reap the instant benefits of Smart Accounts, including human-readable usernames and soon, additional features like sponsored transactions and the ability to enable asynchronous signing for multiple uses with Smart Sessions.
📱 Simplified access with instant digital identities
Web3 Usernames, powered by ENS Domains, offer a unique, easy-to-read account address, providing users with control and choice in their digital identity.
🪙 Extended wallet functionality
Users can buy, swap, on-ramp, send, and receive funds with their embedded Universal Wallet easily within their account and using their Web3 Username.
🎓 Lock-in-free support with Account Graduation
When users are ready to transition to a self-custodial wallet, they can use our graduation tool to explore recommended wallets and take the next step in their journey.
Through “logging in” with AppKit’s Email and Social Login methods on any integrated app, Universal Wallets eliminate the tedious and often daunting task of researching and setting up new wallets, allowing both OGs and those less familiar with the space to instantly experience the very best of web3 with a journey designed to make entering — and using — the ecosystem effortless and secure. Let’s dive into how that looks:
1) Users connect to apps via the AppKit connect modal using their email address or social media login*
