Pi Network Completes Upgrade Before March 12 DEX Launch

Pi Network news today reveals it has completed its mandatory v19.6 node upgrade on February 15. This marks a key step toward the upcoming decentralized exchange launch. The upgrade was required for all mainnet nodes to stay connected. With support, the next phase of the network’s development will begin. Community leaders say this is only the first step in a sequence of protocol updates. The next major milestone is the planned activation of the Pi DEX on March 12. The network now has more than 16 million migrated users preparing for on-chain trading features.

Mandatory Upgrade Strengthens Network Core

The v19.6 upgrade focused on stability, security and scalability. Node operators had to complete the update by the February 15 deadline to avoid disconnection. This step helps the network prepare for heavier activity as new features roll out.

🚀Today's mandatory node upgrade was just the beginning. It's the first step in a series of protocol upgrades paving the way for the Pi DEX activation on March 12. We're building a functional, decentralized economy for our 16M+ migrated Pioneers📊#PiNetwork #Web3 #DeFi pic.twitter.com/kThtGp8y20

— PiNetwork DEX⚡️阿龙 (@fen_leng) February 16, 2026

The upgrade is part of a broader roadmap. More protocol versions are expected in the coming weeks. Each step aims to improve performance and decentralization before the DEX goes live. Developers want the network to handle higher transaction volumes without major disruptions. At the same time, community members described the upgrade as a turning point. Many see it as proof that the project is moving closer to a functional, real world ecosystem.

DEX Launch Set for March 12

The next major milestone is the planned launch of the Pi DEX on March 12. This platform is expected to allow users to trade tokens directly within the Pi ecosystem. It could also open the door to broader DeFi tools over time.

The DEX is part of a larger push to build a self-contained digital economy. Developers want users to move beyond simple mining and start using Pi for actual transactions and services. The exchange will likely serve as the first major utility layer for that vision. However, the success of the DEX will depend on performance and adoption. The transition from testnet experiments to a stable mainnet environment remains a key challenge.

Price Rally and Community Momentum

The upgrade also came during a period of rising market activity. Pi coin price reportedly climbed more than 40% between February 11 and February 16. The move followed growing excitement around the upgrade and the upcoming DEX launch. Still, analysts note that the token faces resistance near the $0.20 level. Broader market volatility could also affect short term momentum. Even so the community remains optimistic as the network approaches its one-year mainnet anniversary on February 20.

What Comes Next for Pi Network

Pi Network news today shares that the completed upgrade signals the start of a busy month for the project. More protocol updates are scheduled ahead of the March 12 DEX launch. Each step aims to prepare the network for higher usage and real economic activity. If the DEX launches smoothly, it could mark a major shift for Pi Network. The project would also move from a mining focused model toward an actual on-chain marketplace. For now, the Pi network’s large user base is watching closely as the next phase approaches.