Pi Network is making waves again in the crypto space with some significant upgrades that could shape the future of mobile mining. If you're one

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of the millions of Pioneers mining $PI on your phone, you'll want to pay attention. Recently, BSC News shared a tweet highlighting these changes from the @PiCoreTeam, pointing to a detailed breakdown on their site. Let's dive into what these upgrades mean in simple terms, without getting too bogged down in the tech jargon.

The Big Picture: From Version 19 to 23

Pi Network, which lets everyday folks mine cryptocurrency right from their smartphones without draining your battery like proof-of-work systems (think Bitcoin's energy-hungry setup), is leveling up its protocol. They're jumping from version 19 straight to 23, and they've also dropped a new Linux version of their node software. This isn't just a minor tweak—it's about making the network more secure, scalable, and ready for real-world use. Launched back in 2019, Pi has grown to over 60 million users, with more than 14.8 million who've gone through Know Your Customer (KYC) verification on the mainnet blockchain that went live in February 2025.

These upgrades build on Pi's unique take on the Stellar Consensus Protocol, customized for mobile users. Instead of a full fork, it's a tailored evolution that embeds compliance right into the core, helping it play nice with regulations while pushing toward decentralization.

Key Upgrade: Baking KYC into the Protocol

One of the standout features is embedding KYC authority directly into the protocol. KYC is basically the process of verifying your identity to prevent fraud and meet legal standards—think uploading your ID to confirm you're a real person. Pi's already got millions verified, and this upgrade makes it a built-in part of the system. In the future, they plan to hand off some of this control to trusted community groups, reducing central oversight.

This ties into broader crypto trends, like Ethereum's ERC-3643 standard for on-chain compliance, which helps with anti-money laundering (AML) rules. For users, it means a smoother, more trustworthy experience, especially as Pi aims to integrate with global financial systems.

Beefing Up Security for Everyone

Security is getting a major boost too. The new version introduces biometric logins—like using your fingerprint or face ID—to access your wallet. Plus, there's improved two-factor authentication (2FA), which adds an extra layer of protection beyond just a password. This comes on the heels of earlier changes, like requiring email verification for migrating your coins in March 2025.

Why does this matter? In crypto, hacks and scams are rampant, so these features help protect your $PI holdings and build trust, especially after the network opened up to the public.

Smart Contracts and Scalability: Unlocking New Possibilities

Here's where it gets exciting for developers and users alike. Version 23 ramps up support for smart contracts—those self-executing codes that power things like decentralized finance (DeFi) apps, automated payments, and even tokenizing real-world assets like property or supply chains.

Pi is using Soroban, a smart contract platform, to make this happen. Community feedback has pushed for integrations with fiat on-ramps (ways to buy crypto with regular money) like Banxa and Onramper, and compatibility with Ethereum standards. On the scalability front, expect faster transactions, cheaper fees (no more waiting forever or paying through the nose), and a more robust network that can handle Pi's massive ecosystem of over 21,000 apps.

These improvements align with standards like ISO 20022 for better interoperability with traditional finance, making Pi more than just a mining app—it's evolving into a full-fledged blockchain platform.

The New Linux Node: Opening Doors for Devs

On August 27, 2025, Pi released a Linux version of its node software, expanding beyond Windows and Mac. Nodes are essentially the computers that help run and validate the blockchain. This move targets developers, exchanges, and partners who prefer open-source environments.

It's got auto-updates and self-management features for easier operation, and you can find installation guides on their site. While it doesn't change mining rewards directly, it promotes decentralization by making it simpler for more people to participate in running the network.

Timeline: When's It All Happening?

The rollout kicked off in late August 2025 and is set to wrap up in September. It's happening in phases to avoid big disruptions—starting with Testnet 1 for initial tweaks, then Testnet 2 for validation, and finally the mainnet upgrade. There might be short outages, especially for third-party services, but nothing major has hit the wires as of early September.

Pi's 2025 Journey: Building Momentum

This year has been huge for Pi. They launched a Hackathon on August 15, 2025, with 160,000 $PI in prizes to spur developers to build mainnet apps. Fiat on-ramps went live in early August, wallet activations expanded in May, and an ad network for app monetization started in April.

Migrations to the mainnet are ongoing, but if you missed the grace period back in March, those unmigrated coins are gone— a reminder to stay on top of updates. They're even auctioning .pi domains until September 30 and sponsoring events like TOKEN2049 in Singapore.

For meme token enthusiasts and blockchain practitioners, Pi's viral, community-driven model shares some DNA with meme coins, even if it's more utility-focused. These upgrades could inspire similar projects to prioritize security and scalability, potentially influencing the broader meme ecosystem.

If you're into $PI or just curious about mobile crypto, keep an eye on these developments—they're setting the stage for bigger things. Check out the full article on BSC News for even more details, and follow the original tweet for quick updates. What's your take on Pi's future?