Square Unveils Bitcoin Payments and New Handheld Device at Bitcoin 2025

Square, the financial technology arm of Block, Inc., has announced a major expansion of its payment ecosystem by introducing native Bitcoin payment capabilities for merchants, alongside the launch of a new handheld point-of-sale (POS) device. The announcements were made at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, signaling Square’s commitment to making Bitcoin a practical, everyday payment method for businesses and consumers alike.

Bitcoin Payments Rollout

Starting in the second half of 2025, Square merchants will be able to accept Bitcoin payments directly through their existing Square hardware, with full availability expected by 2026, pending regulatory approvals. The new feature leverages the Lightning Network, a layer-2 protocol designed to enable fast, low-cost Bitcoin transactions. Customers will simply scan a QR code at checkout, while Square manages real-time exchange rates and transaction confirmations behind the scenes.

Merchants will have the flexibility to either hold the received Bitcoin or automatically convert it to fiat currency in real time, providing new options for revenue management. This move builds on Square’s existing Bitcoin Conversions feature, which already allows sellers to convert a portion of their daily sales into Bitcoin.

Miles Suter, Bitcoin Product Lead at Block, stated, “This is about economic empowerment for merchants who like to have options when it comes to accepting payments. When a coffee shop or retail store can accept Bitcoin through Square, small businesses get paid faster and get to keep more of their revenue”.

Square Handheld: A New POS Device

Alongside the Bitcoin payment rollout, Square also introduced the Square Handheld, a compact and lightweight POS device designed for mobility and versatility. Key features include:

• 6.2-inch touchscreen
• 16MP camera for product scanning and inventory management
• Support for traditional card payments and tap-to-pay functionality
• Redesigned Square app for streamlined operations
• Weight: 311 grams
• Price: $399

The device aims to serve merchants who need flexibility on the sales floor or at pop-up locations, integrating seamlessly with Square’s broader suite of business tools.

Broader Product Expansion and SquareAI

Square also announced the launch of over 100 new products and features, including the introduction of SquareAI, an artificial intelligence-driven suite designed to enhance business operations and customer engagement. These developments mark one of the most significant expansions in the company’s history and reinforce Square’s strategy to empower merchants with cutting-edge technology.

Industry Impact

The integration of Bitcoin payments is seen as a milestone in the adoption of cryptocurrency for everyday transactions, moving beyond its role as a speculative asset. By simplifying the process for merchants and consumers, Square aims to drive broader acceptance of decentralized, permissionless currencies in retail environments.

The rollout comes at a time when regulatory frameworks for digital assets are evolving, and other fintech firms are exploring tokenized and stablecoin solutions. Square’s focus on Bitcoin, particularly via the Lightning Network, positions it as a pioneer in bringing cryptocurrency payments to mainstream commerce.

Quote

“Rolling out a native bitcoin experience to millions of sellers brings us one step closer to that goal. When a coffee shop or retail store can accept bitcoin through Square, small businesses get paid faster, and get to keep more of their revenue.” — Miles Suter, Bitcoin Product Lead at Block

With these initiatives, Square is set to reshape the landscape for digital payments, offering merchants and consumers more choice and flexibility than ever before.