Network upgrades and updates are slowly moulding several blockchain platforms. Pi Network, a mobile-based blockchain project, has introduced its long-awaited upgrade— Stellar Protocol v25 (version 25) — to its mannet. 

Pi Network implements Stellar Protocol v25 after a 2-week testing phase  

Pi Network uses the fork of the Stellar core network/Stellar Consensus Protocol as its blockchain foundation. However, it does not mean that Pi Network runs directly on the Stellar core network. 

In detail, Stellar Protocol v25, commonly known as Stellar X-Ray, is a significant protocol upgrade of the Stellar core network executed on Stellar’s mainnet. As Pi Network uses the fork, it adopted and activated this upgrade in its infrastructure after two weeks of testing.   

What are the key features of the Stellar Protocol v25?

The new upgrade includes cryptographic essentials to implement native zero-knowledge crypto techniques. For crypto newbies, zero-knowledge (ZK) cryptography is a method where users can prove a transaction is valid without showing the actual information. 

The new upgrade also includes host features and tools to help developers build efficient smart contracts. BN254 Elliptic Curve is another feature of the Stellar Protocol v25. This element allows developers to easily migrate ZK apps using the current cryptographic tools. BN254 Elliptic Curve also reduces the barrier between the blockchain ecosystems that support ZK cryptography, mainly Ethereum. 

Another important feature is Poseidon and Poseidon2, two efficient hashing primitives that lower computational cost. 

Pi Network’s expansion is highly notable

Pi Network has earlier implemented an upgrade called Protocol v23 or Whisk for improved performance, standardize data structure including transaction data, and bolster infrastructure that helps run smart contracts smoothly. 

Pi Network has experienced a major shift since it started operating as an open mainnet in 2025. This has helped the network earn some momentum by expanding its services to real transfers, rather than remaining as the Pi app. 

Recently, the blockchain sector has seen two major upgrades: Ethereum’s Fusaka upgrade to enhance network scalability and Avalanche’s Granite upgrade to improve developer capabilities and overall network performance. All these upgrades signal how blockchain platforms are keeping up with the needs of the times