- Ethereum developers have scheduled testnet trials for Pectra, due to start on February 26. If successful, the long-awaited update could be launched in April.
- The update merges the Prague and Electra updates, with EIP-7702 enhancing smart contract wallets and EIP-7251 raising the limit on validator stakes to optimize node operation.
Ethereum developers have confirmed test dates for Pectra, the first major update to the network in almost a year. The long-awaited update aims to improve wallets and validators, but comes as Ethereum faces increasing pressure from its community. Competitors such as Solana continue to gain ground, raising concerns about Ethereum’s ability to maintain its lead.
Testing will begin on February 26 on the Holesky test network, followed by a second phase on March 5 on the Sepolia test network. If both phases go smoothly, developers will meet on March 6 to finalize the launch schedule. According to Tim Beiko, head of protocol support at the Ethereum Foundation, Pectra could be launched on the main network in early April.
Pectra is going live 🥳
Holesky will fork at slot 3710976 (Mon, Feb 24 at 21:55:12 UTC)
Sepolia will fork at slot 7118848 (Wed, Mar 5 at 07:29:36 UTC)Assuming Sepolia goes smoothly, we'll pick the mainnet slot on the March 6 ACD call 📅
— timbeiko.eth (@TimBeiko) February 6, 2025
The update merges two separate updates, Prague and Electra, into a single release, under the name “Pectra” Among the eight key enhancements, EIP-7702 stands out for its impact on crypto-currency wallets. It enhances smart contract functionality in externally held accounts (EOA), improving the user experience and enabling payment of gas fees in tokens other than ETH.
Increased bet limit – 32 to 2048 ETH
EIP-7251 introduces a significant change by increasing the validator bet limit from 32 ETH to 2,048 ETH. The update optimizes node operations, enabling larger validators to merge infrastructure. Staking beyond 32 ETH currently requires multiple nodes, leading to inefficiencies and extended installation times. Increasing the limit could reduce congestion and simplify node deployment.
Right now, Ethereum validators need at least 32 ETH to run a node, and the Max Effective Balance is capped at 32 ETH. That means anything you stake beyond 32 ETH doesn’t earn extra rewards—you’d need to set up another validator for that.
With the Pectra upgrade, you’ll be able… https://t.co/5vVd8YTDXN
— EIP Fun (@EIPFun) January 16, 2025
The Ethereum ecosystem has experienced turbulence in recent weeks. Its native token, ETH, has underperformed compared to other crypto-currencies, particularly bitcoin and solana. Although Ethereum remains the most widely used smart contract network, it is losing ground to rival blockchains.
At the same time, the Ethereum Foundation, which oversees updates and provides leadership within the ecosystem, is undergoing a major transition. An informal vote recently proposed Danny Ryan as a potential new leader, adding to uncertainty about the long-term direction of the project.
Can Ethereum hold on?
Ethereum has long prided itself on being the leading programmable blockchain, but its position is being called into question. Solana, known for its fast transactions and low costs, has attracted developers and liquidity to the detriment of Ethereum. This development has led to growing concern within the Ethereum community, with many calling for a renewed focus on innovation.
Some critics have also criticized the Ethereum Foundation for selling ETH during market downturns, which is seen as undermining confidence in the network. Developers remain optimistic, however, and believe that Pectra will provide a much-needed boost, strengthening Ethereum’s infrastructure and keeping it competitive.
Despite these difficulties, Ethereum’s upgrade roadmap remains on track. If Pectra is successfully launched in April, it could restore some confidence in the network’s future. However, given the fierce competition from rival blockchains and internal management changes, Ethereum’s future is far from assured.
