Pi Network Sets a New Standard: Only Top 100 Apps Can Earn Real Pi on Mainnet

Pi Network has introduced a significant structural update that could redefine how developers, applications, and incentives operate within its ecosystem. Quietly shared and now gaining attention through a post by Twitter user @fen_leng, this update outlines a clear distinction between testnet participation and mainnet rewards, sending a strong signal about the network’s next phase of maturity.

According to the update, applications currently operating within Pi App Studio remain on the testnet, where earnings are distributed in test-Pi. To upgrade to the mainnet and begin earning real Pi Coin, developers must place their applications among the top 100 in App Studio rankings. Once on the mainnet, earnings distribution shifts to a defined model: 70 percent to the app, and 30 percent allocated to the Pi Network.

This is not a cosmetic change. It is a deliberate move that introduces competition, accountability, and economic structure into the Pi Network ecosystem.

From Open Experimentation to Selective Advancement

Since its early days, Pi Network has emphasized inclusivity and accessibility. Anyone could mine Pi Coin on a mobile device, and developers were encouraged to experiment with building applications without immediate financial pressure. The testnet environment reflected this philosophy, prioritizing learning, testing, and iteration.

However, as Web3 ecosystems evolve, unlimited openness without structure often leads to inefficiency. The latest App Studio update suggests that Pi Network is transitioning from open experimentation to selective advancement.

By limiting mainnet earnings to the top 100 applications, Pi Network is signaling that quality, engagement, and preparedness now matter more than simple participation.

This shift mirrors the evolution seen in other mature crypto and Web3 platforms, where early experimentation eventually gives way to performance-based inclusion.

Understanding the Testnet Versus Mainnet Divide

The distinction between testnet and mainnet is critical in blockchain development. Testnets allow developers to simulate real-world conditions without financial consequences. Tokens used in testnets hold no real economic value and exist solely for testing functionality.

Under the current Pi Network model, applications on the testnet earn 100 percent of their rewards in test-Pi. This reinforces the idea that testnet activity is about validation, not monetization.

Mainnet, by contrast, represents real economic interaction. Earning Pi Coin on the mainnet means participating in the actual Pi Network economy, where transactions carry value and implications for the broader ecosystem.

By restricting mainnet access, Pi Network is protecting the integrity of its economy while encouraging developers to reach a measurable standard before engaging with real Pi Coin.

Why the Top 100 Requirement Matters

The decision to cap mainnet eligibility at the top 100 apps introduces scarcity and competition. Scarcity is a fundamental driver of value in crypto economics. When access is limited, incentives align more clearly with performance.

Developers are now motivated to improve user experience, reliability, and real utility. Passive or low-effort applications are less likely to qualify, while well-designed, high-engagement apps gain a clear advantage.

This approach also benefits users. With only the top-performing apps earning real Pi, users are more likely to interact with applications that have proven demand and functionality.

From a network perspective, this reduces clutter, improves overall quality, and strengthens trust in the Pi ecosystem.

The 70/30 Earnings Distribution Model

Another critical element of the update is the earnings split on the mainnet. Once an app qualifies, earnings are distributed with 70 percent going to the app and 30 percent allocated to the Pi Network.

This model reflects a balanced approach to sustainability. Developers receive the majority of earnings, providing a strong incentive to build and maintain high-quality applications. At the same time, the network secures ongoing resources to support infrastructure, security, and ecosystem development.

Such revenue-sharing models are common in successful platforms, both in Web2 and Web3. They align the interests of individual builders with the long-term health of the network.

Importantly, this structure transforms Pi Network from a purely experimental environment into a functioning economic platform.

Opportunity Favors the Prepared

The phrase included in the update, “Opportunity favors the prepared,” is more than motivational language. It encapsulates the philosophy behind this shift.

Pi Network is no longer positioning itself as a playground for unlimited experimentation. It is becoming a competitive arena where preparation, execution, and real-world value determine success.

Developers who have invested time in understanding Pi Network’s tools, user base, and design principles now stand to benefit. Those who treated the ecosystem casually may find themselves left behind.

This transition reflects a broader truth in crypto and Web3: early access alone does not guarantee long-term rewards. Preparation and adaptability do.

Source: Xpost

Implications for Pi Coin and the Broader Crypto Market

From a market perspective, this update strengthens Pi Coin’s narrative around utility. Real economic activity is increasingly tied to applications that meet specific standards. This reduces the risk of inflationary or meaningless usage and reinforces Pi Coin’s role as a functional medium of exchange.

While this change does not directly address price or exchange listings, it contributes to long-term value creation. Coins gain relevance when they are used in environments that reward productivity and quality.

For the broader crypto space, Pi Network’s approach offers an alternative to unrestricted decentralization. It suggests that curated access, when implemented transparently, can enhance ecosystem health without undermining innovation.

A Sign of Ecosystem Maturity

Every blockchain project reaches a point where it must choose between remaining experimental or becoming operational. This App Studio update indicates that Pi Network is choosing the latter.

By formalizing progression from testnet to mainnet, introducing ranking-based eligibility, and defining revenue distribution, Pi Network is laying the groundwork for a sustainable Web3 economy.

This is a sign of maturity, not restriction.

It demonstrates confidence in the network’s ability to support real applications and real economic activity.

A Critical Moment for Developers and Observers

For developers, this update is a call to action. The path to earning real Pi Coin is now clearly defined, but it is no longer guaranteed.

For users and observers, it is a signal that Pi Network is entering a more serious phase. The ecosystem is being refined, incentives are being structured, and the line between testing and reality is becoming clearer.

This moment may not generate immediate headlines, but its impact could shape Pi Network’s trajectory for years to come.

In the evolving world of crypto, Coin utility, and Web3 platforms, preparation is no longer optional.

For Pi Network, the message is clear: the opportunity is real, but only for those ready to earn it.