Xverse launched Bitcoin staking (locking crypto to earn rewards) through sBTC on Stacks on Sept. 7, adding the feature to version 2.9 of its self-custodial wallet. Users can deploy existing bitcoin and receive rewards denominated in sBTC, a representation of bitcoin on Stacks, rather than locking native BTC directly on Bitcoin. Each position pairs deposited sBTC with STX worth roughly 5% of the sBTC amount. The STX is not a fee or collateral; it establishes eligibility and connects the position to a Stacks identity. The protocol targets an annual percentage yield of about 3%, with sBTC distributions roughly every two weeks, but actual returns depend on miner commitments and total deposits. Bonds last six months, with different withdrawal conditions before and after activation. Xverse said the launch gives retail users pooled access to the Stacks Genesis Bond without a large standalone minimum. The Genesis Bond is expected to begin near Bitcoin block 966,350, estimated around Sept. 10 during Stacks reward cycle 143, although the exact timing depends on the block. Xverse warned that the contracts are new and that sBTC relies on its signer set and continued bitcoin peg.