Pi Network has completed the long-anticipated Pi Network testnet upgrade on Testnet1, moving the blockchain closer to its long-promised mainnet launch. The transition to protocol version 23, announced last week, is the final technical hurdle before activation of the live network.
The upgrade follows a phased approach, starting with earlier protocol shifts from versions 19 to 22. Testnet2 will undergo the same upgrade path in the coming weeks. Once both testnets are aligned with version 23, Pi Network developers say the system will be fully prepared for real-world deployment.
“This upgrade is the backbone of the transition we’ve been building toward,” — a Pi Network development team spokesperson said in an official statement.
“Each step ensures stability, scalability, and readiness for the demands of mainnet.”
For millions of users worldwide who have been mining Pi coins through the network’s mobile app, the Pi Network testnet upgrade represents more than a technical milestone. It signals that the long wait for mainnet activation may soon be over.
Source: X @PiNewsMedia
Why version 23 matters for blockchain stability
Protocol version 23 introduces critical changes designed to support high transaction volumes while reducing downtime risks. According to Pi Network’s update notes, the Pi Network testnet upgrade improves consensus handling, transaction processing, and communication between validator nodes.
In practice, this means that once the mainnet goes live, the blockchain should be able to handle heavier user traffic without compromising security or speed. Smart contract execution, validator communication, and API integrations have all been enhanced in the new version.
Industry observers note that the timing of Pi’s upgrade aligns closely with Stellar’s recent shift to version 23. Since Pi Network is built on Stellar’s codebase, maintaining compatibility is seen as essential for long-term security.
“Synchronizing with Stellar ensures Pi’s foundation remains technically sound,” — blockchain analyst Samuel Orji told CryptoLens News. “The Pi Network testnet upgrade is a safeguard for future growth, particularly as the ecosystem expands.”
Balances, validators, and ecosystem expansion
Beyond the technical improvements, the Pi development team confirmed that mapping of user balances from testnet to mainnet is progressing smoothly. This ensures that participants’ accumulated tokens will carry over once the mainnet activates.
Validators are now stress-testing the upgraded Testnet1 environment to identify and resolve bugs before the mainnet transition. The Pi Network testnet upgrade is therefore being treated as both a final rehearsal and a risk assessment exercise.
Meanwhile, Pi Network has been working to expand its ecosystem. The platform recently introduced PiOnline, a DeFi-inspired farming game accessible through the Pi Browser. Analysts say this reflects the network’s strategy to drive engagement beyond mining and payments.
The project also confirmed its sponsorship of the TOKEN2049 conference in Singapore this October, where co-founder Dr. Chengdiao Fan is scheduled to speak. The event is expected to give Pi Networkț broader industry visibility at a critical moment in its development.
The final stretch toward mainnet
With Testnet1 now upgraded and Testnet2 preparing to follow, the focus has shifted squarely to the mainnet transition. Developers have cautioned users about possible short service interruptions as final adjustments are made, but emphasized that notices will be issued in advance.
“The priority is to ensure a stable and secure environment,” — Pi Network said in a recent community update. “The Pi Network testnet upgrade is the last major technical step before mainnet readiness.”
The upgrade underscores Pi Network’s ambition to move beyond its experimental phase and into full operation. For a community of over 47 million engaged users, the transition from testnet to mainnet is seen as a pivotal moment — one that could define whether Pi’s vision of accessible digital currency becomes a practical reality.
As anticipation builds, industry watchers are now asking the crucial question: when will the mainnet finally go live? While no official date has been set, the successful Pi Network testnet upgrade has narrowed the timeline considerably.
Moses Edozie is a writer and storyteller with a deep interest in cryptocurrency, blockchain innovation, and Web3 culture. Passionate about DeFi, NFTs, and the societal impact of decentralized systems, he creates clear, engaging narratives that connect complex technologies to everyday life.