October 3, 2025 | 10:03Block Inc. revealed at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference that Square will support Bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network, with a phased rollout beginning in late 2025 and full deployment by 2026. The feature enables QR code-based Bitcoin transactions, with real-time conversion to fiat for merchants. Despite regulatory hurdles and a recent $40M AML fine, Block is pushing forward, targeting its 4M-strong merchant network. The initiative builds on Square’s 2024 Bitcoin Conversion tool and aligns with Dorsey’s goal to prioritize Bitcoin’s utility over speculation. Other firms, like Roxom Global, are also advancing Bitcoin-centric solutions, signaling broader crypto adoption in traditional finance.
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Block Enables Bitcoin Payments on Square via Lightning Network
Block, Inc., led by Jack Dorsey, announced at the Bitcoin 2025 conference that its payments arm Square will soon support Bitcoin transactions. Merchants can accept BTC through existing Square hardware using the Lightning Network for faster, cheaper settlements. They can choose to hold Bitcoin or auto-convert it to fiat instantly. The rollout begins later this year, with full deployment expected by 2026. The feature was demonstrated at the BTC Inc. merchandise store during the event.
read moreSteak ‘n Shake Adopts Bitcoin Payments Globally
Steak ‘n Shake has expanded its payment options to include Bitcoin (BTC) globally, utilizing the Lightning Network for faster and cost-effective transactions. Announced at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference by COO Dan Edwards, the initiative has exceeded expectations, accounting for 1 in 500 Bitcoin transactions on its first day. The integration has cut payment processing fees by 50% compared to traditional credit card transactions, thanks to the Lightning Network’s efficiency. Edwards emphasized this as a permanent addition to their payment infrastructure, not a promotional stunt. The company has also introduced Bitcoin-themed menu items and is exploring broader digital transformation, including AI and blockchain technology. Customer adoption has been strong, with sustained transaction growth post-launch.
read moreSui Invests $10M to Boost Security After $223M Hack
After a $223 million hack drained Cetus Protocol, the largest decentralized exchange on Sui, the blockchain has pledged $10 million to bolster security. The exploit stemmed from a smart contract flaw, not the Sui network itself, allowing attackers to inject spoof tokens and siphon real assets. While $162 million was frozen by validators, Cetus offered a $6 million bounty for the return of stolen funds. Sui’s investment will focus on smart contract audits, bug bounties, and formal verification tools. Additionally, the team introduced zkAt, a zero-knowledge authentication method, to strengthen security. Despite these measures, SUI’s price dipped 7% over the week, reflecting market unease.
read moreBitcoin 2025 Conference: Key Topics & Star Speakers
The Bitcoin 2025 Conference, taking place from May 27-29 at the Venetian Conference Center in Las Vegas, is gearing up to be a pivotal event in the crypto space. With over 30,000 attendees and 5,000 companies, the conference will delve into critical topics such as Layer 2 improvements (BitVM2, Lightning Network integration with USDT), Bitcoin ETFs, and sustainable mining practices. High-profile speakers include U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Michael Saylor, Ross Ulbricht (remotely), Senator Cynthia Lummis, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, and the Winklevoss twins. The event is expected to influence Bitcoin’s price, with analysts projecting a post-conference target of $125,000 and long-term predictions reaching $500,000. BTC is currently trading at $109,759.12, up 2.16% ahead of the event.
read moreTwitter Integrates Bitcoin Tips via Lightning Network
Twitter has partnered with Strike to enable Bitcoin tips via the Lightning Network, allowing users to send and receive payments seamlessly. The feature, currently available to iOS users, leverages Strike API for instant, low-fee transactions. This move aligns with Twitter’s broader vision of integrating global payments into social media, potentially accelerating Bitcoin’s adoption as a global currency. The Lightning Network ensures near-instant transactions with minimal fees, making it ideal for microtransactions. While the service is initially limited to the U.S. and El Salvador, expansion plans are underway. This development signals a major shift in how social platforms could facilitate financial interactions in the future.
read moreBitcoin’s Big Change: OP_RETURN Limit Scrapped
In May, Bitcoin implemented a major change by eliminating the OP_RETURN limit, which previously restricted transactions with files larger than 80 bytes. This shift acknowledges the growing demand for Bitcoin-based applications, including NFTs via the BRC-20 standard. The decision challenges the views of Bitcoin maximalists who oppose such developments. Additionally, the potential for a native Bitcoin app layer could offer advantages over using BTC on other networks like Ethereum. Jack Dorsey’s bullish $1 million Bitcoin price prediction by 2030 might factor in these expanding use cases, signaling a possible evolution in Bitcoin’s role beyond just a store of value.
read moreRevolut Integrates Bitcoin Lightning for Faster UK & EU Transactions
Revolut’s collaboration with Lightspark brings Bitcoin Lightning Network integration to its 50M+ users, enabling near-instant, low-cost BTC transactions in the UK and select European markets. The Lightning Network’s off-chain technology eliminates slow blockchain confirmations, with practical use cases like tap-to-pay Bolt cards and over 1,000 Swiss retailers already accepting Lightning payments. The announcement coincides with Bitcoin’s price surge to ~$99K and broader Lightning adoption, including Tether (USDT) via Taproot Assets. While Revolut hasn’t disclosed a launch date, the feature underscores Bitcoin’s growing real-world utility beyond speculation. Technical advancements like ColliderVM further expand Bitcoin’s smart contract capabilities, hinting at a more flexible future for the network.
read moreRevolut Adds Lightning Network for Bitcoin Payments in UK & EEA
Revolut has partnered with Lightspark to bring Bitcoin Lightning Network payments to its UK and EEA users, enabling faster and cheaper BTC transactions. The integration leverages Lightspark’s enterprise-grade infrastructure, marking a significant step in Revolut’s crypto expansion. The Lightning Network, a Bitcoin layer-2 protocol, improves transaction speed and reduces fees, positioning Revolut as a leader in blockchain adoption for modern finance. Lightspark CEO David Marcus praised the move, calling Bitcoin and blockchain the ‘future of money’ and highlighting the inefficiencies of traditional banking systems. The rollout will start in the UK and select EEA markets, with potential expansion as infrastructure evolves. Revolut’s adoption of Lightning reflects broader industry momentum toward decentralized payment solutions.
read moreSpar Supermarkets Expand Bitcoin Payments Across Switzerland
Spar supermarkets in Switzerland are expanding Bitcoin payments nationwide following a successful pilot in Zug and Kreuzlingen. The initiative, supported by DFX Swiss’s OpenCryptoPay platform, allows shoppers to pay via QR codes using the Lightning Network. This rollout positions Spar as one of the first major Swiss retail chains to adopt Bitcoin for everyday purchases. Meanwhile, Switzerland remains divided on Bitcoin’s role in national reserves, with the Swiss National Bank dismissing it as too volatile. A citizen-led initiative, however, seeks to mandate Bitcoin holdings alongside gold. The expansion reflects a global trend, with over 600 Swiss businesses already accepting Bitcoin and cities like Zug and Lugano leading in crypto adoption.
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