Bitcoin News Today: Apple Approves Bitcoin Payments in iOS Game via Lightning Network

Apple has approved SaruTobi, an iOS game developed by an independent studio, as the first application to accept Bitcoin payments through the Lightning Network, signaling a notable shift in the company’s historically rigid stance on in-app payment systems [1]. The integration allows users to make microtransactions using Bitcoin, bypassing Apple’s standard 15–30% commission on in-app purchases. This approval marks a departure from Apple’s long-standing policy of mandating Apple Pay for all digital transactions on its platform [2].

The development is powered by ZBD, an infrastructure provider for Lightning payments, which has worked with SaruTobi to facilitate the integration [1]. According to ZBD’s Co-Founder and CTO, André Neves, the move represents a “historic shift” driven by a changing regulatory landscape. Neves noted that the approval “cracked open the gates” for more flexible financial models within apps [1].

This decision is not an across-the-board policy change for Apple but is limited to a single title. Nevertheless, it raises questions about how the company might evolve its approach to cryptocurrency and digital payment methods. With increasing regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. and the EU regarding the App Store’s commission policies, Apple may be testing the waters to see how it can align with new legal expectations while maintaining control over its ecosystem [2].

The approval also aligns with broader trends in fintech, where blockchain-based payment systems are gaining traction due to their speed and lower transaction costs [3]. As developers explore new economic models, Apple’s decision could encourage more experimentation with decentralized financial tools, particularly in the gaming sector. The move may also signal a willingness to engage with Web3 and DeFi, areas Apple has traditionally approached with caution due to regulatory and consumer protection concerns [2].

While some see this as a concession to developers, others view it as a strategic maneuver that preserves Apple’s control over the platform while appearing to embrace innovation. The long-term impact on the App Store economy remains uncertain, but the precedent set by SaruTobi is likely to influence future discussions about digital commerce, regulatory compliance, and the role of cryptocurrency in mainstream technology.

Sources:

[1] https://x.com/ByCoinvo/status/1954596104269664599

[2] https://eng.ambcrypto.com/how-apples-new-crypto-policy-could-change-web3-forever/

[3] https://www.forbes.com/sites/roomykhan/2025/08/09/the-400b-fintech-gold-rush-crypto-payment-rails/