Stellar Sets the Pace with Protocol 23: Pi Network Faces Pressure to Evolve

The blockchain world is abuzz with Stellar’s announcement to test Protocol 23, a major upgrade that introduces smart contract capabilities and enhanced scalability. As Stellar’s testnet resets and prepares for a mainnet vote in September 2025, attention shifts to Pi Network—a project built on Stellar Core—raising questions about its readiness to support similar innovations.

The crypto community, including voices like @fen_leng, is calling on the Pi Core Team to upgrade Pi Node from version 19.6.0 to 20.2.0, a move that would unlock smart contract functionality and align Pi Network with the broader Web3 evolution.

What Protocol 23 Means for Blockchain Innovation

Stellar’s Protocol 23 is more than a routine update. It introduces:

• Native smart contract support via Soroban

• Faster transaction processing through parallel execution

• Improved scalability and developer tools

• Breaking changes to RPC, Horizon, and SDKs

These enhancements position Stellar as a more competitive platform for decentralized applications (dApps), and by extension, set a new benchmark for networks built on its infrastructure—including Pi Network.

Pi Network’s Technical Foundation and the Need to Upgrade

Pi Network’s architecture is deeply rooted in Stellar Core, meaning any major protocol changes on Stellar can influence Pi’s capabilities. While Pi has focused on building a community-first ecosystem, the absence of smart contract support limits its potential in the Web3 space.

Upgrading to version 20.2.0 would allow Pi Network to:

• Enable smart contract deployment and execution

• Support dApps built with AI App Studio and other tools

• Improve decentralization and data processing

• Facilitate Pi domain registration and identity services

Without this upgrade, Pi risks falling behind in a rapidly evolving crypto landscape.

Community Expectations and Developer Readiness

The Pi community, known as Pioneers, has long advocated for greater functionality and utility. With over 60 million users worldwide, the demand for smart contracts is growing. Developers are eager to build within the Pi ecosystem, but the lack of support for programmable logic has been a barrier.

The upcoming Stellar upgrade presents a timely opportunity for Pi Network to respond. By aligning its node infrastructure with Protocol 23, Pi can unlock new use cases and attract a broader developer base.

Strategic Implications for PiCoin and Web3 Adoption

Smart contracts are the backbone of Web3. They enable everything from decentralized finance (DeFi) to NFT marketplaces and autonomous governance. For PiCoin to gain traction as a functional digital asset, it must be usable within smart contract frameworks.

An upgrade would:

• Increase Picoin’s utility and demand

• Open doors to merchant integrations and automated payments

• Strengthen Pi’s position as a Web3-ready platform

• Enhance investor confidence and long-term value

In contrast, delaying the upgrade could limit Pi’s relevance and slow adoption.

Challenges and Considerations

While the benefits are clear, upgrading Pi Node is not without challenges:

• Compatibility with existing infrastructure and apps

• Migration of user data and wallet systems

• Regulatory compliance across jurisdictions

• Developer retraining and SDK updates

Stellar’s own transition to Protocol 23 involves breaking changes that require all software components—Core, Horizon, RPC, SDKs—to be updated. Pi Network must prepare for similar complexities if it chooses to follow suit.

🚨Stellar is going to test Protocol 23🐎
Meanwhile, @PiCoreTeam — When will you upgrade❓
🖥️ Pi Node: v19.6.0 → v20.2.0 Smart Contracts 💥
See you on Sep., 2025
WE NEED "support smart contracts" 🧵#PiNetwork🎊 pic.twitter.com/wbpqcKtlga

— PiNetwork⚡️阿龙 (@fen_leng) August 6, 2025

Timeline and What to Watch

Stellar’s mainnet vote for Protocol 23 is scheduled for September 3, 2025. If Pi Network intends to upgrade, key indicators to monitor include:

• Announcements from the Pi Core Team regarding node updates

• Developer documentation and SDK releases

• Community testing and feedback loops

• Integration of smart contract tools within Pi Browser

The window for strategic alignment is narrow, and the crypto world is watching.

Conclusion: Will Pi Network Rise to the Challenge?

Stellar’s Protocol 23 marks a turning point in blockchain development. As smart contracts become standard, platforms must evolve or risk obsolescence. Pi Network, with its massive user base and growing ecosystem, has the potential to lead—but only if it embraces the tools that define the future of Web3.

The call for Pi Node v20.2.0 is more than a technical request—it’s a rallying cry for innovation, utility, and relevance. Whether Pi answers that call remains to be seen, but the momentum is building, and the stakes have never been higher.

Writer @Erlin

Erlin is an experienced crypto writer who loves to explore the intersection of blockchain technology and financial markets. She regularly provides insights into the latest trends and innovations in the digital currency space.

 

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