The Bitcoin LN Protocol BOLT12 - Current status and next steps
BOLT12 is a proposed upgrade to the existing BOLT11 protocol, in this article I explain what wallets adopted the protocol, the pros & cons and next steps
What is BOLT12
Bitcoin Lightning Network protocol BOLT12 is a proposed upgrade to the existing BOLT11 protocol, designed to enable re-usable payment requests, increased receiver privacy, and better censorship resistance.
Background
BOLT11 was the previous version of the protocol, which has been widely used since its inception. BOLT12 aims to address some of the shortcomings of BOLT11 and provide a more streamlined experience for users.
Current Adoption
While BOLT12 is still in the development phase, there have been some early adopters and testers who have already implemented the new protocol:
Phoenix Wallet
From version 2.3.1 (Jul 3, 2024), Phoenix Wallet has introduced support for BOLT12, a Lightning Network specification that aims to improve payment requests and receiver privacy. Offers the Lightning equivalent to a Bitcoin address but it's a reusable, static payment request that can be used for donation use cases, or to easily get paid by your friends. Since BOLT12 is not yet well supported, Phoenix keep displaying a BOLT11 invoice by default.
From version 2.3.3 (Jul 11, 2024) the wallet supported as well paying BIP353 DNS addresses. It allows users to have a user@phoenixwallet.com email-like handle, which are much easier to share with friends or on social networks than a BOLT12 QR code or long invoice.
This wallet uses very innovative features and is, IMO, best in class of all the non custodial Bitcoin Lighting Network wallets. New users and advance users will find this wallet appealing from day one.
I always run the “mass adoption test” with a small sample of family and friends, only those that are not tech savvy and this wallet passed with flying colors. After installation, without my assistance they managed to use the wallet to receive and send sats.
Zeus Wallet
ZEUS Wallet is a mobile Bitcoin wallet and “node management” app that offers full functionalities of a Bitcoin Lightning wallet. It enables users to make Bitcoin payments and manage their Lightning nodes from their mobile device
This wallet does not pass the “mass adoption test” , the test users were not comfortable with the user interface neither understood most of the settings.
For the minority of advance users that manage their own nodes, this mobile wallet is best in class.
Adoption summary
The widespread adoption is still awaited, as many users and merchants are yet to upgrade to the new protocol.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Re-usable payment requests
Increased receiver privacy
Better censorship resistance
Cons:
Complexity of implementation
Compatibility with older nodes and applications which could lead fragmentation
Next Steps
Many developers are working to improve and implement the protocol ensuring a smooth transition. As the protocol is refined and tested, it is expected to become more widely adopted.
Here the web addresses of few projects actively working on BOLT12:
For updates, specs or to get involved with BOLT12, bookmark the project website:
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