Blockstream has updated its mobile application to allow users to trustlessly swap funds between the Lightning Network and the Liquid Network. This move is intended to improve access to faster and more private bitcoin payments.
The core new feature is the integration of atomic swaps (via the non-custodial provider Boltz and secured by HTLCs), which enables users to directly pay Lightning invoices using their Liquid Bitcoin (LBTC) balances. A significant benefit is that users no longer have to worry about managing Lightning channels or securing inbound liquidity. The atomic nature of the swap guarantees that the transaction either fully completes or automatically returns the funds to the sender’s wallet.
Blockstream also teased future additions, including on-chain swap support to manage transfers across the Bitcoin main chain, Liquid, and Lightning from a unified interface, and the ability to receive Lightning payments directly on hardware wallets like the Blockstream Jade.
