August 14, 2024

Following the successful approval of AIP-395 in early April, we’re getting ready to officially launch Ape Names, a seamless Web3 identity solution built on APECHAIN.

Building Real-World Solutions For The ApeCoin Community Through AIP-395

In January, we published AIP-395 with the aim to launch the real .APE top-level domain (TLD) on the Internet. The idea is quite simple, instead of launching another Web3-specific altroot or ‘fake’ domains with limited functionality and integration, D3 will work closely with the ApeCoin DAO during the next ICANN application round to apply for, obtain and manage the real .APE TLD.

Upon its approval, the real .APE would work across the traditional web alongside the likes of .COM, .XYZ and even .AI, while offering extensive integration across Web3. At the same time, the ApeCoin DAO would benefit from a real, recurring source of revenue with 50% of revenue from the sales of names (and eventually domains). The ApeCoin community agreed and by early April, the AIP was approved with 86.42% of votes cast in favor of the proposal.

Bringing Apes A Seamless Web3 Identity Solution

With the next gTLD application round still around 2 years away, we are launching a near-term, Web3-specific solution with Ape Names, also referred to as *APE Name Tokens. These Names Tokens use a * instead of a . in its extension to avoid confusion with domains and clearly indicate their utility being limited to Web3. They will be minted on APECHAIN as a Day 1 launch partner backed by the ApeCoin DAO and community.

Ape Names are a seamless Web3 identity solution, with users being able to use them:

  • As a simplified wallet address across hundreds of different blockchain networks;
  • As an infrastructure identifier across hundreds of different blockchain networks;
  • As a cross-platform username across various different decentralized platforms including DeFi, GameFi, SocialFi, SportFi and other related applications;
  • To serve Verifiable Credentials (VCs) to platforms and services that you interact with;
  • To gain access to [redacted benefits and rewards] in the D3 ecosystem;
  • As claim tokens for the eventual equivalent real .APE domains.

Instead of using long, complex wallet addresses such as ‘0x2Fd0D1dBB5c3C9E132832ADcD22b2dF911a4c83D’ to send and receive digital assets, you’ll be able to map a simple Ape Name such as ‘monke*ape’ to transact. Not only does it both offer a more seamless Web3 experience for the average user and put *APE (and eventually .APE) front and center on users’ Web3 journey, but it also protects users from a rise in address-specific attack vectors such as address poisoning, UX spoofing, clipboard hijacking, user error and more.

Paving The Way For Real .APE Domains

Over the next two years, we will be working closely with the ApeCoin DAO to prepare and submit the application for the real .APE top-level domain as we pave the way for real .APE domains. Imagine a single domain that can be used as a wallet, website and email address.

More than 5.3 billion Internet users use domains to navigate the web, with billions of Internet-capable devices offering support for domains right out of the box without the need for special software, plugins, add-ons or anything else. By offering a seamless bridge between the traditional web and Web3; Ape Names will allow users a single, unified digital identity while introducing easy onboarding of new users into the ApeCoin ecosystem and allowing wider integrations of APECHAIN across Web2 infrastructure.

For nearly 40 years, domains have served as the identity layer of the Internet and will continue to do so for many more years to come, even as the Internet evolves to include blockchain infrastructure. Apes are sure to maintain the same staying power and just like domains; it’s community is built on authenticity, accessibility, collaboration and trust.

Built By Apes That Know Domains

Ape Names are built by Apes for Apes with members of the D3 team owning several monkey jpegs including BAYC 7001, 4415, 4797, 8296, MAYC #20512 and more. At the same time, the team includes domain industry veterans such as Fred Hsu, Shayan Rostam, Paul Stahura, Kevin Kreuser and more, having launched or managed over 300 real TLDs including including .XYZ, .INC, .TV, and .LINK.

The future is .APE