Pi Network has set the mainnet node upgrade date for June 2, 2026. The core team requires all mainnet node operators to complete the Protocol 24.1 update by the deadline, or they will be unable to remain connected to Pi Mainnet.
This update follows closely after Protocol 23. Unlike new features that have drawn external attention, Protocol 24.1 primarily focuses on improving underlying operational efficiency, preparing the groundwork for future smart contracts and broader ecosystem expansion.
The focus of the update has shifted to underlying optimizations.
According to the Pi Core Team, Protocol 24.1 primarily involves four areas: improving ledger processing efficiency, enhancing node synchronization, preparing backend infrastructure for future smart contracts, and enabling smoother subsequent network upgrades.
Based on the disclosed information, this update does not focus on frontend changes but continues to refine the mainnet's operational conditions. For node operators, the most direct impact is the requirement to complete the upgrade on time to remain online.
The upgrade process is simpler than the last time.
The Pi team states that this migration is less complex than Protocol 23. Previous version upgrades involved substantial database adjustments, whereas the migration for Protocol 24.1 is expected to be faster.
- Most migrations are expected to be completed within 5 minutes.
- Windows nodes can be automatically updated via Pi Desktop.
- Linux operators can use the new Pi Linux Node CLI tool.
For Docker users, the team stated that simply deploying the updated container version is sufficient. Meanwhile, the official recommendation is for operators not to upgrade all nodes simultaneously, but rather to route traffic through standby nodes or the Pi official API to minimize the risk of disruption during the upgrade.
The community is following the next phase of progress.
Although Protocol 24.1 is primarily an infrastructure update, community discussions have already shifted toward the later Protocol 26. Some users believe that subsequent versions may be more closely related to smart contract capabilities and the pace of ecosystem expansion.
However, the Pi team has clearly stated that blockchain protocol upgrades and the launch of ecosystem products are not on the same timeline. The delays surrounding PiDex and smart contracts do not mean they will be released alongside Protocol 24.1. The current focus remains on enhancing network stability before paving the way for broader product expansion.
As June 2 approaches, this upgrade will become a new milestone in assessing the readiness of the Pi mainnet for operation.