- Pi Network’s long-awaited Protocol v23 upgrade is in active testing, with analysts expecting a mainnet launch by late Q4 2025 or early 2026.
- The upgrade introduces Stellar Core v23.0.1 and a new Rust SDK to boost scalability, developer tools, and smart contract functionality.
- PI token trades near $0.23 after a steep decline, but analysts believe the v23 upgrade could spark a price recovery if adoption grows.
The long wait for Pi Network’s mainnet may finally be coming to an end. Developers have been actively testing the Protocol v23 upgrade, which analysts say could set the stage for a full mainnet rollout by late 2025. The update is designed to bring faster transactions, smoother scalability, and improved developer tools—something the Pi community has been anticipating for years.
Dr. Altcoin, a well-known community analyst, confirmed that testing for Protocol v23 is underway on the network’s Testnet and progressing smoothly. Once that’s complete, Pi’s development team plans to move into a secondary testing phase—Testnet 2—before opening the doors to the long-awaited mainnet launch. “The Pi Core Team likes to move slow and precise,” he noted, suggesting the upgrade could arrive anytime between Q4 2025 and early 2026.
What the Protocol v23 Upgrade Brings
The v23 release integrates Stellar Core v23.0.1 into Pi Network’s architecture, which should enhance scalability and transaction throughput. It’s a big technical shift that aims to make the network feel faster and more reliable, especially for large-scale usage. The upgrade also comes with developer-focused improvements, including a new Rust-based Software Development Kit (SDK).
This SDK—modeled after Stellar’s Soroban toolkit—gives developers the ability to write and deploy smart contracts more efficiently. With built-in libraries, testing tools, and a command-line interface, it marks a real push by the Pi team to expand the ecosystem beyond mining apps. The hope is simple: by giving developers the tools they need, Pi can turn its massive user base into a functional economy.
Pi Coin Price Struggles But Recovery Could Be Ahead
Despite all the progress, PI’s price action hasn’t been too exciting lately. The token has been drifting sideways for weeks, hovering near $0.233 with trading volume just under $30 million. It’s been a rough few months—down 32% in the past 30 days and a staggering 92% below its February peak when Pi’s market cap sat near $18 billion.
Still, analysts like Dr. Altcoin remain cautiously optimistic. He believes the upcoming upgrade, combined with potential buyback or token-burn mechanisms, could help stabilize the market. The network’s underlying fundamentals—massive user base, active testing, and upcoming mainnet—make it one of the more watched projects heading into next year.
Technical Outlook: Oversold, But Holding
On the charts, Pi coin continues to sit below the middle Bollinger Band, showing sustained bearish pressure. Support levels are visible near $0.226 and $0.215, while resistance lies around $0.249 and $0.272. The RSI currently signals oversold conditions, hinting that a rebound might be near if buying pressure returns.
For now, traders are watching closely for any signs of momentum. If Pi can break out of its current range after the v23 upgrade rolls out, it could finally set up for the kind of recovery fans have been waiting for since the project’s early hype days.
