Blockstream has released an update to its mobile application enabling users to perform swaps between the Lightning and Liquid networks.
The update introduces support for trustless atomic swaps between the Lightning Network and the Liquid Network. This feature allows users to pay Lightning invoices directly using their Liquid Bitcoin (LBTC) balances without the need to manage Lightning channels or maintain inbound liquidity.
The swap process operates through the non-custodial provider Boltz and utilizes cryptographic hash-locked contracts (HTLCs). These contracts ensure that either both sides of the transaction complete successfully, or neither does. Funds are automatically returned to the original wallet if the operation fails.
Blockstream stated that the update aims to make fast and privacy-enhanced bitcoin payments more accessible to users.
Future Enhancements Planned for Trustless Swaps
The company also announced planned future updates to further enhance swap functionality. These planned updates include support for on-chain swaps, which will enable users to move funds across the Bitcoin timechain, the Liquid Network, and the Lightning Network from a single interface.
Another planned feature will allow users to receive Lightning payments directly on hardware wallets, such as the Blockstream Jade, according to the announcement.
Summary of Key Features
- •Blockstream updated its mobile wallet to enable atomic swaps between the Lightning Network and the Liquid sidechain through non-custodial provider Boltz using HTLCs.
- •Users can now pay Lightning invoices directly from Liquid Bitcoin balances without managing channels or inbound liquidity, with failed swaps refunding funds automatically.
- •Future upgrades aim to add on-chain swaps between Bitcoin, Liquid, and Lightning plus direct Lightning receiving to hardware wallets like Jade from a single interface.