The Pi Network is gearing up for a transformative Mainnet upgrade in Q4 2025, signaling a new era of scalability, smart contract functionality, and decentralized finance (DeFi) integration. This long-anticipated update—referred to internally as Protocol v23—is expected to enhance the platform’s performance and broaden its use cases across the blockchain ecosystem.
What’s Coming in Protocol v23
The upcoming upgrade will introduce several key improvements:
Scalability Enhancements: The new protocol will allow Pi Network to process significantly more transactions per second, reducing latency and improving user experience.
- Smart Contract Expansion: Developers will gain access to more robust tools for building decentralized applications (dApps), including support for complex logic and token interactions.
- DeFi Infrastructure: The upgrade lays the groundwork for decentralized exchanges (DEXs), liquidity pools, and automated market makers (AMMs), enabling Pi to compete with established DeFi platforms.
These changes are currently being tested on the Pi Testnet, with a transition to Testnet 2 planned before full Mainnet deployment.
🧑💻 Developer Tools: Rust SDK and Ecosystem Growth
To support its growing developer base, Pi Network is launching a Rust-based Software Development Kit (SDK). This toolkit will simplify the creation and deployment of smart contracts, offering:
Command-line tools for contract compilation and testing
- Libraries for secure and efficient code development
- Templates for common DeFi use cases
The SDK is modeled after Stellar’s Soroban framework, ensuring compatibility with industry standards while maintaining Pi’s unique architecture.
Market Outlook: Pi Coin and Liquidity Challenges
As of October 2025, Pi Coin trades at approximately $0.23 with daily volumes exceeding $28 million. While the upgrade is expected to boost utility and network activity, experts caution that liquidity remains a concern. Some analysts suggest token buybacks or coin burns as potential remedies, though no official plans have been announced.
Rollout Timeline and User Impact
The Pi Core Team has emphasized a cautious approach to the upgrade, prioritizing stability and user safety. The rollout is expected to follow this timeline:
- Late Q4 2025: Completion of Testnet 2 and final testing
- Early Q1 2026: Full Mainnet deployment, pending successful validation
Users will not need to take any action during the transition, though brief service interruptions may occur. These will be communicated in advance to minimize disruption.
Strategic Implications for the Blockchain Space
This upgrade positions Pi Network as a serious contender in the global blockchain landscape. By focusing on real-world transaction handling, developer empowerment, and scalable architecture, Pi is laying the foundation for long-term growth and adoption.
For content creators and publishers, the upgrade also presents a timely opportunity to cover Pi-related developments, especially as interest in DeFi and smart contract platforms continues to rise.