- Ethereum developers are testing all Glamsterdam proposals on private devnets before public testnet deployment.
- The upgrade introduces ePBS and Block-Level Access Lists to improve block production efficiency and transparency.
- Gas repricing changes aim to enhance scalability, support zero-knowledge systems, and optimize network resources.
Ethereum developers have moved the Glamsterdam upgrade into its final development phase, bringing the network closer to one of its largest upgrades since the 2022 Merge. According to Ethereum Foundation developer Parithosh Jayanthi, teams are now testing all planned Ethereum Improvement Proposals on private developer networks ahead of code hardening, public testnets, and a mainnet launch expected in the second half of 2026.
Developers Begin Full Upgrade Testing
With development entering a critical stage, Ethereum client teams are now running devnets containing the complete Glamsterdam proposal set. These private testing environments allow developers to assess how every protocol change operates together before wider deployment.
According to Jayanthi, developers are currently working with devnets that include all planned EIPs. He said this phase represents the final step before teams focus on hardening the software and preparing public testnets.
Notably, developers have not set a final launch date. However, Jayanthi said teams have made substantial progress as testing continues across the network.
ePBS And Access Lists Take Center Stage
At the core of Glamsterdam is Enshrined Proposer-Builder Separation, or EIP-7732. The proposal moves block-building functions directly into Ethereum’s protocol rather than relying heavily on external infrastructure.
As a result, developers aim to reduce reliance on off-chain relays and improve transparency around block production. The proposal also addresses concerns tied to maximal extractable value by restructuring how blocks reach the network.
Alongside ePBS, developers are testing Block-Level Access Lists through EIP-7928. This feature allows blocks to identify required accounts and contract data before execution begins.
Consequently, Ethereum clients can prepare information in advance and process transactions more efficiently.
Gas Changes Expand Scaling Efforts
Beyond block production updates, Glamsterdam introduces gas repricing adjustments. According to Jayanthi, high-compute operations will become cheaper, while state storage costs will increase.
The changes seek to better align fees with actual network resource consumption. Additionally, they support newer scaling technologies, including zero-knowledge proof systems.
Glamsterdam follows the Fusaka upgrade, which launched in December 2025. While Fusaka focused on foundational improvements and blob capacity, Glamsterdam shifts attention toward Layer 1 execution, block production, and broader scalability.
Jayanthi described Glamsterdam as “probably the largest fork” since the Merge. For now, developers continue testing, refining code, and preparing the upgrade for public testnet deployment.