A decade after being pulled from the App Store, SaruTobi is back on iPhones, now offering a fresh twist: players can make in-game purchases using Bitcoin through the Lightning Network.
This return marks the first time an iOS game integrates Bitcoin microtransactions directly within the app, bypassing the need for external wallets or redirects.
SaruTobi, a monkey-flinging game originally launched in 2013 by Christian Moss and published by MandelDuck, now features seamless Bitcoin payments thanks to fintech company ZBD.
The Lightning Network technology allows players to spend tiny fractions of Bitcoin—called sats—to buy power-ups or retry levels instantly without interrupting gameplay.
These microtransactions happen off the main Bitcoin blockchain, speeding up transactions and cutting costs.
Beyond spending, players earn sats as rewards funded through in-game ads, which they can use to purchase upgrades or transfer to their ZBD wallets for use in other games or cashing out.
At current Bitcoin values, one dollar equals approximately 920 sats, making even small amounts meaningful for casual transactions.
Historically, Apple has limited cryptocurrency use in its App Store, restricting in-app crypto sales and demanding use of its own payment system for purchases.
However, recent regulatory changes—such as the EU’s Digital Markets Act and legal rulings like Epic v. Apple—have pushed Apple to allow more flexible payment options.
Apple’s guidelines now permit apps to support crypto transfers if they use approved external services and avoid selling cryptocurrency directly through in-app purchases.
ZBD’s system fits these rules by handling Lightning payments entirely within SaruTobi, keeping the experience smooth and fully native.
ZBD’s CTO André Neves said,
“Apple’s approval of Bitcoin microtransactions in SaruTobi is a historic shift. 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.”
He added that this approach “creates a frictionless experience that gives players new ways to engage, spend, and earn value.”
André Neves, CTO and Co-Founder of ZBD
This model challenges traditional in-app purchase systems that often feature fixed prices and high fees.
Instead, Bitcoin microtransactions enable flexible pricing down to fractions of a cent, encouraging players to spend small amounts casually.
The rewards system also builds a self-sustaining economy inside the game, increasing player engagement without forcing purchases.
With SaruTobi now live on iOS using this technology, other developers may soon follow.
Lightning-powered Bitcoin payments could redefine how mobile games monetise, offering instant, programmable, and borderless payment options that fit naturally into gameplay.
This could especially appeal to users hesitant about traditional payment methods or who prefer to earn small crypto rewards as they play.
SaruTobi’s comeback demonstrates how Bitcoin’s Lightning Network can work smoothly on mainstream platforms under existing regulations.
It opens questions about how cryptocurrency might become a routine part of mobile experiences, beyond niche or speculative use.
As developers explore these opportunities, the line between gaming and digital finance could blur, making microtransactions more accessible and global than ever before.
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