Key Highlights
- Pi Network completes one year of Open Mainnet with protocol version 19.6 now live across all nodes.
- The team confirms a strict, step-by-step upgrade path, with v19.9 and v20 planned next.
- Despite a recent price rally, open trading and exchange listings remain off the table for now.
Pi Network has completed one year since the launch of its Open Mainnet, which went live in February 2025 after operating for several years in a closed ecosystem.
The first anniversary comes at a time when the network is still in the middle of a phased technical transition. Instead of opening all features at once, Pi Network has spent the past year focusing on protocol upgrades, node stability, and controlled migration of users to the live blockchain.
To mark the milestone, the Pi Core Team shared a network update confirming that the blockchain has successfully migrated to protocol version 19.6.
One year after the Open Mainnet launch
When Pi Network launched its Open Mainnet last year, expectations were high around exchange listings and open transfers. However, the project chose a slower route. The team made it clear that infrastructure readiness would take priority over rapid expansion.
Since February 2025, most developments have taken place at the protocol level. These include backend upgrades, node version changes, and gradual migration phases designed to reduce network risk.
In May 2025, Pi Network began the second phase of mainnet migration, allowing more users to move their Pi balances from the enclosed network to the live blockchain. This process was carried out in batches and under specific conditions, rather than all at once.
v19.6 migration completed across the network
In its latest update, the Pi Core Team confirmed that the upgrade to protocol version 19.6 has been completed successfully. At present, all nodes are required to remain on v19.6, and node operators have been told not to upgrade further until the next step is officially announced.
The team stated that preparations are underway for version 19.9, which is expected to be the final upgrade before the network transitions to version 20.
Along with the upgrade, Pi Network also released a new command-line admin tool for Linux-based nodes. This tool is intended to simplify future upgrades, especially for node operators who manage their own Docker setups.
Mandatory step-by-step upgrade path
Pi Network has clearly stated that protocol upgrades must be completed in sequence. Nodes are required to follow each upgrade step in order. No version can be skipped, and the network will only move forward once the previous upgrade is completed across all nodes.
The upgrade path shared by the team includes:
- v19.1
- v19.6 (completed)
- v19.9
- v20.2
- v21.1
- v22.1
- v23.0
The team has also shared expected timelines for the next upgrades:
- February 15, 2026: v19.6 upgrade completed
- February 27, 2026: v19.9 upgrade planned
- March 12, 2026: v20.2 upgrade planned
These timelines rely on how well the network upgrades go and could change if needed.
Market’s reaction before anniversary
Before the one-year Open Mainnet anniversary, Pi Coin’s price jumped, growing almost 37% in the past week, but it is down 87% in a year.
This happened as the project drew more attention around its anniversary and the latest system upgrades. Trading activity is still limited because the network continues to operate under restrictions, and open transfers or exchange access have not yet been allowed.
Focus remains on technical development
More attention on Pi Network has not changed the team’s approach. Work is still centered on strengthening the network and fixing technical issues.
There have been no fresh announcements on open trading, exchange listings, or wider access so far. Right now, the focus remains on completing the remaining upgrades.
As Pi Network moves into its second year of Open Mainnet, the pace and success of these upgrades will largely decide the next steps.
Also Read: XRP Ledger Turns On Permissioned DEX, Enabling Trading on Mainnet
