Pi Network has officially commenced a major, multi-stage upgrade of its mainnet protocol, moving from version 19 to version 23. The upgrade is not a single jump but a mandatory, sequential process that all node operators must follow to ensure network stability. The prescribed upgrade path is: 19.1 → 19.6 → 19.9 → 20.2 → 21.1 → 22.1 → 23.0.
The Pi Core Team has provided a clear timeline for the initial phases of this rollout. The network is currently working to complete the upgrade to version 19.6 by February 12, 2026. The subsequent milestones are an upgrade to v19.9 by February 27, 2026, and to v20.2 by March 12, 2026. The team has warned node operators not to skip any steps and to wait for each version to become fully active across the network before proceeding.
To facilitate a smoother upgrade process, the team has released new tools, including a command-line tool for Linux designed to help node operators manage updates automatically and reduce human error.
Concurrently with the technical rollout, the Pi community celebrated its annual Moderator Appreciation Day on the first Friday of February. This event recognizes the volunteer moderators who manage community chats, translate content, and support users through processes like KYC and migration. The Core Team publicly thanked these contributors, highlighting the human element of the project's ecosystem.
The news also mentions community speculation about potential future integrations with major exchanges like Kraken, but these remain unconfirmed rumors. The primary confirmed development is the ongoing protocol upgrade, which is expected to enhance the network's performance and stability in the coming months if executed successfully.
