Apple has approved SaruTobi's return to the App Store, featuring integrated Bitcoin Lightning payments for in-game extras.

SaruTobi, developed by Christian Moss and published by MandelDuck, is on the App Store with ZBD-powered Lightning Network payments. Players can spend small amounts of Bitcoin to buy power-ups or retries, while also earning tiny rewards known as "sats" .

ZBD describes the new version as the first fully native Lightning integration in an iOS game. Players can complete Bitcoin transactions entirely within the app.

The Lightning Network is built on top of the Bitcoin blockchain that the managers claim enables faster, cheaper transactions. ZBD's system settles payments off the main blockchain to reduce costs and delays.

Apple's approach to cryptocurrency apps

Apple's permit some forms of cryptocurrency use. Section 3.1.5 allows apps to support crypto transfers if they use approved services and avoid selling cryptocurrency through in-app purchases. Developers can integrate external payment providers like ZBD for off-platform payouts.

Game interface with leaderboard, usernames, character skins, and options for rewards, skins, power-ups, and replay, set against a jungle-themed background. SaruTobi game

Players can spend small amounts of Bitcoin for in-game extras like power-ups or retries using ZBD's technology. The network handles fast, low-cost payments without leaving the app.

The new integration avoids external wallets or redirects and shows how developers can work within Apple's existing rules to bring cryptocurrency features to iOS gaming.

Not the first Bitcoin-enabled iOS game

SaruTobi itself has a long history on iOS. Originally launched in 2013, it included early Bitcoin payouts before being removed from the App Store under stricter rules. Other games such as Bitcoin Bounce also offered Bitcoin rewards on iOS using Lightning or external wallets.

What is new in this approval is the integration of ZBD's Lightning technology directly into the app. Payments and rewards can now happen inside the game without leaving for external sites or wallets.

What this means for mobile gaming and Bitcoin

Apple continues to restrict direct cryptocurrency sales through its own payment system. It allows approved services to handle crypto rewards.

Developers can design games that deliver small Bitcoin payouts. They can also accept Lightning payments for extra content if the transactions stay outside Apple's in-app purchase infrastructure.

The renewed approval of SaruTobi demonstrates a path for developers interested in Bitcoin microtransactions on iOS. It also reflects ongoing efforts to make Lightning Network payments faster and easier to use in mobile apps while meeting Apple's existing guidelines.

Reviews describe the game as easy to pick up but hard to master, with the added novelty of small Bitcoin rewards paid through ZBD's Lightning integration. Players note that while the payouts are tiny, they work reliably and cover fees over time, making it a fun, casual game for anyone curious about earning sats.