Apple Approves First iOS Game with Native Bitcoin Lightning Payments

HKAN | Jul 10

Apple has approved SaruTobi, marking the first iOS game with native Bitcoin Lightning Network payments. Developed by Christian Moss, published via MandelDuck, and powered by ZBD, this version allows players to spend sats on power-ups or retries and even earn Bitcoin rewards within the game without leaving the app .

 

 

How It Works

Payments and rewards are processed via ZBD’s Lightning infrastructure, offering near-instant, low-fee transactions that settle off-chain, preserving gameplay flow .

 

Players can earn satoshis through gameplay, using them to purchase in-game items or withdraw to Lightning wallets .

 

 

 

Why This Is a Milestone

A first in combining crypto microtransactions with iOS gaming—a tech leap largely enabled by regulatory pressure like the EU’s DMA and Epic vs. Apple ruling .

 

Sets precedent for programmable, fractional payments in mobile apps, with Lightning’s advantages in speed, privacy, and throughput .

 

 

 

What’s Next?

Apple’s approval may open doors for more crypto-based in-app experiences across the App Store.

 

ZBD is pioneering a model that could redefine game monetization, enabling ultra-low-cost, interactive transactions at scale .