Apple approved the first iOS app to include native gameplay. Bitcoin A press release was sent to Bitcoin Magazine about microtransactions. SaruTobi is now offering real-money payments in the app using ZBD‘s Bitcoin Lightning technology—marking a shift in Apple’s historically closed approach to alternative payment systems.
The approval comes after regulatory pressures from the EU Digital Markets Act and legal decisions like Epic v. Apple that have forced technology giants to make their platforms more developer friendly and flexible.
SaruTobi’s early Bitcoin integration was the reason why it was pulled from App Store in 2013. Now, more than a decade later, the game returns to iOS fully powered by ZBD’s fast, low-cost Lightning infrastructure—a new era of seamless, programmable, and borderless payments.
“Apple’s approval of Bitcoin microtransactions in SaruTobi is a historic shift,” said André Neves, Co-Founder and CTO of ZBD. “The tech for open, developer-driven payments has existed for a while. What’s changed is the regulatory environment which has cracked open the gates. By integrating Lightning directly into the game, we’ve created a frictionless experience that gives players new ways to engage, spend, and earn value.”
Bitcoin microtransactions are more flexible than traditional in-app payments, which can be constrained by high fees and rigid price tiers. In SaruTobi, players can spend just a few cents to retry a level or unlock power-ups, with payments settling instantly—without interrupting gameplay.
Players can also earn rewards. The model also supports rewarded gameplay. sats You can earn Bitcoin (short units of Bitcoin), by performing in-game activities, and use the coins to upgrade or boost your app. This is an attempt to build a micro-economy which encourages deeper engagement.
“With Bitcoin, developers can now create payments that are instant, programmable, and borderless down to the cent or less,” Neves has been added. “This isn’t just about payments. It’s about rewriting how games monetize, engage, and grow.”
You can also find out more about SaruTobi now live on iOSThe App Store may soon be able to offer more Bitcoin-native applications.
“This article is not financial advice.”
“Always do your own research before making any type of investment.”
“ItsDailyCrypto is not responsible for any activities you perform outside ItsDailyCrypto.”
Source: bitcoinmagazine.com
