Apple Just Did Something Unexpected With Bitcoin
For years, Apple’s App Store policies have been a brick wall for anything involving cryptocurrency—especially when it came to letting users spend or earn it directly in apps. But now, for the first time, they’ve given the green light to a game that lets players make Bitcoin payments using the Lightning Network.
The game, SaruTobi, isn’t new—it’s been around since 2013. But this update is different. Thanks to Lightning infrastructure from ZBD, players can earn tiny fractions of Bitcoin (called satoshis) just by playing. They can also spend them on things like extra lives or power-ups. And here’s the kicker: Apple actually approved it.
Why Now?
Apple’s never been friendly toward crypto, especially in-app transactions. So what changed? Well, pressure. Legal battles like Epic Games vs. Apple and new EU rules (the Digital Markets Act) have forced Apple to loosen its grip—at least a little.
ZBD’s CTO, André Neves, called this a “turning point.” And he might be right. It’s not a full-blown revolution—Apple still won’t allow full Bitcoin wallets or decentralized apps. But for the first time, a game can use an outside payment system for crypto microtransactions without getting booted from the App Store.
A Small Crack in the Wall
This doesn’t mean Apple’s suddenly all-in on crypto. The approval is narrow: SaruTobi uses Lightning for payouts and purchases, but the app itself doesn’t hold user funds. It’s more like a workaround than a policy shift.
Still, it’s something. Apple’s under fire globally for its tight control over payments, and regulators—especially in Europe—are pushing hard for more openness. The company’s making small concessions, whether it wants to or not.
For now, SaruTobi is the only game with this feature. But if Apple’s willing to bend here, other developers might start testing the waters too.
What This Actually Means
Don’t expect a flood of Bitcoin games tomorrow. Apple’s rules are still strict, and this isn’t a free pass for crypto apps. But it does show that, with the right approach, developers can slip Bitcoin functionality into the App Store without breaking the rules.
The Lightning Network helps—it’s fast, cheap, and doesn’t require apps to handle Bitcoin directly. That might be why Apple gave it a pass. Or maybe they’re just buying time before the next legal fight.
Either way, it’s a small win for crypto on iOS. Not a revolution, but maybe the start of something.
