Published on: May 13, 2026, 10:55 AM.
Updated on: May 13, 2026, 11:01 AM.
- Polymarket has officially launched for iOS users in the US
- An Android application is not yet available
- Despite not being officially active, Polymarket holds a notable market presence
After a prolonged wait, Polymarket has removed its waitlist and is now accessible to US customers on iOS devices.
This development follows a six-month period after the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) issued an updated order of designation, which many in the prediction market sector believed should have set the stage for Polymarket’s US launch in late 2025 or early 2026. Users in the US can now access a trading page directly through the Polymarket app.
“The Polymarket app is now live for those on the waitlist,” states the company’s website. “Enter your phone number below to reserve your spot and get alerted when it’s your turn.”
iOS is the operating system utilized by Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad. As of now, Polymarket does not have an Android application available, and the timeline for its release is currently unclear.
Kalshi Holds a Significant Advantage Over Polymarket
Although Polymarket claims to be the world’s leading prediction market by volume, its delayed US launch has allowed competitor Kalshi to gain a considerable advantage in the market.
Reports suggest that Kalshi commands 90% of the US prediction market volume, with Polymarket and Crypto.com sharing the remaining 10%. This dominance by Kalshi likely contributes to the significant valuation disparity observed between the two firms. Polymarket is reportedly negotiating to secure additional funding at a $15 billion multiple, while Kalshi recently raised $1 billion, achieving a $22 billion valuation.
Many users in the US who have accessed Polymarket may have done so using virtual private networks (VPNs), which help to hide a user’s internet protocol (IP) address, effectively concealing their true location.
“A VPN is an essential technology for networking and security in a cloud-centric environment, enabling applications to operate across both on-premises infrastructure and public cloud services. It is commonly utilized alongside Zero Trust and other modern security strategies, wrapping data in encryption and routing it through a secure tunnel accessible only to authorized users and devices,” explains Microsoft.
Polymarket’s Complex History in the US
Polymarket’s journey in the US has not been smooth. In 2022, the platform faced a ban from operating within the country. Furthermore, in November 2024, founder Shayne Coplan’s apartment in New York City was raided by federal agents.
However, the company has navigated these challenges and now holds futures commission merchant (FCM) status, permitting it to offer event contracts in the US. Last year, it was even providing derivatives concerning its potential launch timeline in the US.
Polymarket’s official launch in the US comes at a critical juncture, as data from Dune Analytics shows a decline in the exchange’s notional volume in April, marking its first downturn in eight months, while Kalshi’s turnover witnessed a double-digit percentage growth.