Pi Network is entering a decisive technical phase in February 2026, combining mandatory infrastructure upgrades with ecosystem expansion and regulatory positioning.
Key Takeaways
- Mandatory node upgrade to v19.6 must be completed by February 15, 2026.
- Over 16 million users have migrated to Mainnet after recent KYC unlocks.
- Palm-print authentication and validator rewards are moving toward deployment.
- Kraken has added PI to its 2026 listing roadmap for technical review.
With a critical Mainnet node deadline approaching and over 16 million users already migrated, the project is shifting focus toward stability, compliance, and real-world integration.
The most immediate development is a required software upgrade for all Mainnet node operators. The move signals the start of a broader protocol rollout that will continue through the second quarter of 2026.
Technical And Infrastructure Upgrades
All Mainnet nodes must upgrade to version 19.6 by February 15, 2026, or risk being disconnected from the network. This marks the first stage of a multi-step update cycle targeting version 23.0 by Q2 2026. The upgrade is designed to improve performance, security, and long-term scalability.
Important reminder for Nodes: The Pi Mainnet blockchain protocol is currently undergoing a series of upgrades. The deadline for the first upgrade step is February 15. All Mainnet nodes must complete this step to remain connected to the network. More information is available here…
— Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) February 11, 2026
A new Linux-based node version has also been released, standardizing infrastructure and laying the groundwork for deeper third-party developer integration. In parallel, the January 2026 launch of a new Developer SDK allows apps to integrate Pi payments in under 10 minutes, with settlement times also targeting sub-10-minute confirmation windows.
KYC Progress And Migration Milestones
Pi Network has made progress in clearing long-standing compliance bottlenecks. A major early-2026 technical patch unblocked roughly 2.5 million users previously stuck in KYC-related edge cases, allowing them to proceed with Mainnet migration.
The network is also beta testing palm-print authentication as an advanced liveness mechanism for KYC, account recovery, and two-factor authentication. Validator reward distribution for KYC contributors is now in final testing, with deployment scheduled by March 31, 2026.
As of this month, more than 16 million users have successfully migrated to Mainnet.
Ecosystem Expansion And 2026 Roadmap
Following the Open Network launch in February 2025, Pi is now transitioning into what it calls Open Mainnet Phase III. The focus shifts toward ecosystem growth, deeper integration, and real-world use cases.
First-quarter priorities include expanding the Supernode program, introducing Pi DeFi and PiDAO governance initiatives, and establishing university innovation hubs. On the regulatory front, the network filed its MiCA whitepaper in late 2025, a key step toward potential listing on regulated European exchanges.
Market And Exchange Developments
On the exchange side, Kraken has added Pi Network to its 2026 asset listing roadmap for technical review, though no confirmed spot listing has been announced.
Circulating supply currently stands at approximately 9.7 billion PI out of a maximum 100 billion cap. Around 134 million tokens were unlocked in January 2026, increasing short-term supply dynamics.
Technical Outlook And Price Action
At the time of writing, PI is trading at $0.1462. Over the past hour, the token has slipped by 0.23%, while posting a stronger 7.53% gain on the 24-hour timeframe. On a weekly basis, price action remains relatively flat with a modest 0.23% increase over the past seven days. Pi Network’s market capitalization currently stands at approximately $1.31 billion, reflecting renewed short-term momentum as the network moves through its latest upgrade phase.
On the technical side, the 1-hour chart shows bullish momentum building. The MACD remains in positive territory, with the signal line above the baseline and expanding histogram bars. The RSI is near 66, approaching overbought territory but still below the 70 threshold, suggesting strong short-term momentum without confirmed exhaustion.
A sustained move above the recent spike toward the $0.15 region could open the door for further upside, while failure to hold above the $0.14 zone may trigger consolidation.
Pi Network’s 2026 trajectory now hinges on successful technical execution, regulatory alignment, and sustained ecosystem growth as it advances deeper into its Open Mainnet expansion phase.
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Alex is an experienced financial journalist and cryptocurrency enthusiast. With over 8 years of experience covering the crypto, blockchain, and fintech industries, he is well-versed in the complex and ever-evolving world of digital assets. His insightful and thought-provoking articles provide readers with a clear picture of the latest developments and trends in the market. His approach allows him to break down complex ideas into accessible and in-depth content. Follow his publications to stay up to date with the most important trends and topics.
Source: https://coindoo.com/pi-network-news-major-infrastructure-upgrade-enters-final-phase/