Pi Network has entered a pivotal stage in its infrastructure upgrade, which is set to conclude in February 2026. This period marks a significant transition as firm deadlines for node operators are established, directly impacting Mainnet migration efforts.
The crucial date is February 15, 2026, by which all Mainnet node operators must upgrade to version 19.6. Nodes that do not comply with this requirement will face automatic disconnection from the network, resulting in the loss of their ability to earn rewards. This upgrade is not merely a routine maintenance task; it serves as a critical gating event for network participation and user incentives.
This upgrade is the initial phase of a more extensive multi-stage transition to Stellar Protocol v23, the foundation of Pi”s technical architecture. The Core Team”s decision to enforce stricter network requirements suggests a focus on enhancing scalability and ensuring long-term reliability.
As for user engagement, there has been a notable acceleration in Mainnet migration, with over 16 million Pioneers successfully transitioning to the Mainnet. Furthermore, a recent system update has allowed approximately 2.5 million additional users to migrate after resolving previous security and verification hurdles. This development indicates that Pi Network is progressing from a testing phase toward a more robust, production-ready infrastructure.
Despite the increase in migrated users, the ecosystem is still evolving. Broader utility and exchange liquidity remain vital areas that require attention and development before the ecosystem can be deemed fully mature.
In terms of security, the Core Team is entering a new phase of enhancements. They have initiated beta testing for palm-print authentication, a biometric method aimed at improving KYC (Know Your Customer) integrity and reducing instances of duplicate or fraudulent accounts. Additionally, the KYC validator reward system is nearing deployment, with a target date set for late March 2026. This new mechanism will incentivize community-driven verification, potentially enhancing processing efficiency while maintaining decentralized oversight.
Collectively, these advancements—mandatory node upgrades, increased migration rates, biometric testing, and validator incentives—indicate that Pi Network is moving toward a more structured and regulated operational framework.
Moreover, Pi Network has been included in Kraken“s 2026 asset listing roadmap under the “Chains” category. While this inclusion does not guarantee a spot trading launch, it signifies that formal technical reviews are in progress, reflecting growing institutional interest.
As February 2026 approaches, this transitional phase will be crucial in determining whether Pi Network can achieve broader liquidity and expand its ecosystem successfully. The successful execution of the upcoming deadlines and the stability of the infrastructure in the following months will be critical to this goal.
