The gaming landscape on iOS is shifting in a notable way as Apple has quietly opened the door to cryptocurrency-based gaming experiences. In what could signal a significant policy evolution, the tech giant recently approved an update to SaruTobi, a game that now integrates Bitcoin’s Lightning Network for in-app purchases.
This move comes after years of Apple maintaining strict guidelines around cryptocurrency in its App Store ecosystem. While the company has allowed cryptocurrency exchange apps, it has historically restricted apps from using alternative payment methods that bypass Apple’s payment system and its associated 30% commission.
SaruTobi, developed by Christian Moss, features a monkey character that players launch as far as possible while collecting bananas. The game has been on the App Store since 2015, but this latest update introduces something unprecedented – the ability to make purchases using Bitcoin’s Lightning Network, a layer-2 solution designed to make Bitcoin transactions faster and cheaper.
“This is potentially a big moment for crypto gaming on iOS,” Moss told Wired in a recent interview. “We’ve been working with Apple’s review team to ensure compliance while still delivering the experience our players want.”
The approval raises questions about Apple’s evolving stance on alternative payment methods. The company has faced mounting pressure from regulators worldwide regarding its App Store policies, including a high-profile legal battle with Epic Games that centered on payment processing.
According to data from DappRadar, blockchain gaming has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry, with over 1.1 million daily active users across various platforms. However, mobile integration has lagged behind, particularly on iOS, largely due to Apple’s restrictive policies.
Industry analyst Sarah Chen from Emerging Tech Insights suggests this approval could be strategic. “Apple may be testing the waters with smaller implementations before establishing clearer guidelines. The cryptocurrency space has matured significantly since Apple first created its policies.”
The implementation in SaruTobi uses the Lightning Network to facilitate microtransactions – small payments that would be impractical with traditional Bitcoin due to transaction fees. Players can purchase in-game items and potentially earn small amounts of Bitcoin through gameplay.
Privacy and security remain paramount concerns with cryptocurrency integration. Moss explains that SaruTobi implements multiple security layers to protect users’ funds and data. “We’ve developed a non-custodial solution where users maintain control of their funds while still having a seamless experience,” he noted.
The game’s approval doesn’t necessarily indicate a wholesale policy change. Apple’s guidelines still prohibit apps from using cryptocurrency as an alternative to in-app purchases, but SaruTobi appears to have found a compliant implementation path.
“What makes this case interesting is that the Lightning Network transactions are happening outside Apple’s payment system, yet the app was still approved,” explains Jake Williams, former NSA hacker and cybersecurity expert. “This suggests Apple may be carving out specific exceptions rather than changing its overall approach.”
For developers, this approval creates both excitement and uncertainty. The cryptocurrency gaming sector has been developing innovative models that blend entertainment with economic elements, often called “play-to-earn” or more recently “play-and-earn.”
The ramifications extend beyond gaming. If Apple is indeed softening its stance on cryptocurrency payments, this could eventually impact other app categories, potentially creating new monetization models for creators and developers.
This development comes amid a broader backdrop of changing regulatory landscapes for both cryptocurrencies and app store policies. The EU’s Digital Markets Act has already forced Apple to allow alternative payment methods in the European region, and similar legislation is being considered in other jurisdictions.
For users, SaruTobi represents a rare opportunity to experience cryptocurrency integration in an iOS game environment. While cryptocurrency enthusiasts have long awaited such developments, mainstream adoption will depend on how intuitive and valuable these implementations prove to be.
As the situation evolves, the industry will be watching closely to see if this approval represents an outlier or the beginning of a more comprehensive policy shift from Apple regarding cryptocurrency integration in iOS applications.
