Pi Network mainnet upgrade voting countdown! 134 million tokens synchronized with Stellar protocol before unlocking

Pi Network launched Testnet 25 on January 7, completing synchronization with Stellar Protocol 25. Key votes will be held on January 22 to decide on the mainnet upgrade, and 134 million PI tokens will be unlocked by the end of the month. The recent fluctuations in mining rates within the app are not bugs but transitional phenomena as the network migrates to the mainnet-ready system.

January 22 Vote Will Decide the Mainnet’s Fate

Pi Network is currently in a sensitive period, with the decisive vote on January 22 determining the final schedule for the mainnet upgrade. This vote overlaps significantly with the unlocking of 134 million PI tokens, drawing market attention to the potential impact of the vote results on token prices. Supporters of Pi have stated that long-term value depends on actual usage rather than short-term price fluctuations.

In January 2026, approximately 134 million PI tokens will be unlocked, a substantial supply. Some users worry that token unlocks could pressure prices, especially since the mainnet is not fully online yet, and a large influx of tokens might dilute existing holders’ value. However, another perspective suggests that as long as utility growth keeps pace with supply increases, token value can remain stable.

A Pi-focused user summarized that if a global currency relies solely on hype, it cannot function. It must first have tools, applications, and real usage. This view resonates widely within the community, indicating that Pi Network’s core supporters are more concerned with ecosystem development than short-term speculation.

Currently, the outcome of the vote will determine whether Pi Network is ready to enter the fully decentralized mainnet phase. If approved, the mainnet upgrade will officially commence after the completion of Testnet 25. If not approved, more time may be needed for technical preparations, which could delay the actual market impact of the 134 million tokens unlocking.

Testnet 25 and Stellar Protocol 25 Technical Synchronization

Testnet 25 was launched on January 7 for final testing. The system is synchronized with Stellar Protocol 25 to enhance smart contract functionality. This upgrade is crucial because some parts of Pi Network’s system are based on Stellar technology. Maintaining consistency between the two protocols helps prevent disruptions during mainnet expansion.

Another key development comes from developers working within the Pi ecosystem. A third-party toolkit called “stellar-pi-coin-sdk” released version 23.4.1, claiming full synchronization with Stellar Protocol 25 while maintaining compatibility with Pi Network Protocol 23. According to the update notes, this SDK update improves security, stability, and developer tools.

It’s important to note that this SDK is not an official product of the Pi core team, but it indicates active external developer engagement in building tools for Pi’s future applications. Such third-party development activity is often a sign of a mature ecosystem, showing that Pi Network is attracting genuine interest from the tech community.

Synchronization with Stellar Protocol 25 indicates deeper infrastructure updates are underway. Stellar is known for its efficient cross-border payments and smart contract capabilities, and Pi Network leveraging its architecture can accelerate its own feature development. Conducting the testnet synchronization 25 days ahead of the mainnet demonstrates the team’s cautious phased deployment strategy, ensuring technical stability at mainnet launch.

System Upgrades Behind Mining Rate Anomalies

This week, ( Pi Network users will notice some new changes within the app. The display of balances has changed, mining rates fluctuate up and down, and the number of referrals will refresh. According to community posts, these changes are not bugs but part of ongoing upgrades preparing for the next mainnet phase.

Over the past two days, miners reported sudden changes in mining speed and dashboard data. Screenshots circulating online show temporary spikes in mining rates and progress bars moving forward. Some users initially felt worried. However, accounts focused on Pi explained that these changes are caused by system updates.

The network is transitioning from the old testnet configuration to the new mainnet-ready system. During this process, data may fluctuate temporarily. Community members have been informed that data updates within the Pi app are being rolled out in phases, not all at once. This means some users will see data changes earlier than others.

)# Three Main Reasons for In-App Changes

Backend System Migration: Transitioning from testnet configuration to mainnet-ready architecture requires recalculating user data

2026 Goal Update: The app now displays a new long-term goal, replacing the previous 2025 target

Phased Deployment: Data updates are being deployed in batches, so different users see changes at different times

These upgrades align with Pi Network’s progress toward its 2026 development goals. The app now shows a new long-term target, replacing the previous 2025 goal. This change alone necessitates backend updates.

Although official confirmation from the Pi core team remains limited, ongoing updates indicate the network is actively preparing for the next phase. Users may see more short-term changes, but the longer-term goal appears to be achieving a smoother, more stable mainnet launch.