Protocol v23 upgrade positions pi network for crucial mainnet vote on January 22

In a decisive phase for its ecosystem, the pi network has rolled out a major Protocol v23 upgrade just weeks before a key governance milestone.

Protocol v23 rolls out ahead of January 22 mainnet decision

Pi Network has officially launched its new Protocol v23 system upgrade, with the software now live across the ecosystem. The rollout comes only weeks before an important mainnet-related vote expected on January 22, 2026, adding weight to the timing of this technical release.

The update was first highlighted by Pi community members on X, who confirmed that Protocol v23 is already being deployed to mainnet infrastructure. Moreover, they reported that the upgrade is designed to boost speed, security and decentralization for more than 15.8 million mainnet users, known in the ecosystem as Pioneers.

According to community reactions, this latest rollout is viewed as a key step toward a more open and robust network. That said, its real impact will become clearer as the mainnet vote approaches and more users start to test the improved infrastructure in daily activity.

Built on Stellar Core to boost speed and resilience

Protocol v23 is built on Stellar Core v23.0.1, aligning Pi Network with a mature and battle-tested consensus engine. This technical base is expected to increase how quickly the network processes transactions and how effectively it manages heavy traffic during peak periods.

With this upgrade, Pi’s infrastructure can better support growing user numbers and a rising volume of apps interacting on-chain at the same time. Moreover, this performance headroom is critical as the project moves closer to full open mainnet access, where demand and transaction loads could spike significantly.

Developers say Protocol v23 does more than speed up the ledger. It also reinforces the underlying architecture so the network is more ready for real-world use cases such as payments, consumer apps and digital services. For everyday Pioneers, that should translate into smoother transfers, fewer delays and a more reliable overall experience.

KYC authority shifts directly on-chain

One of the most significant changes in Protocol v23 is how identity verification is handled. Pi Network has now embedded KYC authority directly on-chain, moving a critical compliance function from centralized systems into the blockchain layer itself.

Instead of relying primarily on off-chain services, user verification becomes part of the decentralized protocol. However, this does not remove the need for rigorous checks; it changes who controls and executes them. By anchoring KYC logic on-chain, the project aims to better align its governance with its technical design.

The change is intended to reduce risks linked to single points of control, while increasing transparency around how identity data is validated. Many community members had previously voiced concerns about how the team managed verification processes. In response, this design shift seeks to deliver more decentralization, more user control and stronger security for identity-related flows.

Mainnet community set for key vote on January 22

Alongside the upgrade, a mainnet-related vote is expected to take place on January 22, giving Pioneers a direct say in how the network evolves. Community members say the upcoming ballot will allow users to help shape the future of the protocol as it approaches open mainnet.

With over 15.8 million mainnet accounts, this vote could become one of the largest community-based governance events in the history of crypto networks. Moreover, it will test whether the distributed user base can coordinate on long-term decisions as Pi transitions from a closed environment to a wider open-access model.

The Pi Core Team has urged users to remain vigilant and to follow information only from official channels during this period. They stressed that @PiCoreTeam is the sole official Pi Network account on X, warning that impersonation risks typically increase around major announcements and governance events.

The team expects the outcome of the mainnet vote to guide how Pi proceeds into its next phase of open network development. That said, final implementation details will likely roll out gradually, depending on community feedback and technical readiness.

DEX tests liquidity-based token rankings

In parallel with the protocol upgrade, Pi Network is also experimenting with a new feature on its decentralized exchange. Instead of ranking tokens by market capitalization, the DEX is testing liquidity-based rankings that prioritize real trading depth and activity over headline valuations.

This means tokens within the ecosystem would be ordered based on the actual liquidity available in their markets, rather than purely on price or speculative interest. Supporters argue that such a model can reduce manipulation, highlight assets with genuine demand and reward real usage instead of short-term hype.

Moreover, the liquidity-focused approach aligns closely with the project’s long-stated vision to build real utility rather than a speculative trading arena. The idea is to promote healthier market structures as on-chain applications and services expand around Pi-denominated transactions.

From mining app to emerging Web3 economy

Protocol v23 is more than a routine technical refresh; it acts as a signal that the network is preparing for a broader transition. With over 17 million KYC-verified users and more than 215 live apps already active, the ecosystem is slowly evolving from a mobile mining phase into a functional economic environment.

The combination of upgraded infrastructure, on-chain identity mechanisms and experiments with new DEX mechanics suggests that the project is positioning itself as a full Web3 ecosystem. Furthermore, the mainnet vote slated for January 22, 2026 could mark a turning point in how strategy and governance decisions are made.

Within this context, many Pioneers view the Protocol v23 upgrade as a decisive milestone for the pi network, as it moves from a long-running beta-style phase toward a more mature blockchain economy. For millions of users around the world, the message is increasingly clear: Pi is attempting to shift from concept to concrete, real-world network.

In summary, Protocol v23, the upcoming mainnet vote and the DEX’s liquidity-focused experiments together indicate that Pi Network is entering a critical build-out stage, where technical readiness, decentralization and community governance will determine its long-term position in the broader crypto landscape.