Pi Network Signals Smart Contracts and DEX With V23 Upgrade
Pi Network announced that the Protocol V23 upgrade is scheduled for May 18, 2026, to introduce smart contracts and a native on-chain DEX.
Quick Take
Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed.
The Protocol V23 final upgrade is set for May 18, 2026, following the mandatory V22.1 node update on April 22.
V23 will transition the network to Stellar Core v23.0.1, enabling full smart contract and DApp support.
A native on-chain DEX is planned to launch alongside the upgrade to facilitate peer-to-peer trading.
Pi Network has reached 18 million KYC-verified users, providing a verified base for the V23 ecosystem.
Pi Network is preparing for a major upgrade. The upcoming V23 update could bring some of its most important features so far. According to recent updates, V23 may launch next month.
#PiNetwork 📢 Upcoming features following the V23 release next month:
— PiNetwork DEX⚡️阿龙 (@PiNetworkAL) April 16, 2026
→ First Smart Contract Launch
→ DApp Ecosystem
→ Pi Decentralized Exchange (DEX)
This will be a turning point for Pi—it will truly move towards practical application.🚀🖥 $PI #PiNetwork pic.twitter.com/vM5Evi75An
The upgrade is expected to unlock smart contracts. It’s a growing app ecosystem and even a decentralized exchange. With this, many users see V23 as a turning point for the network.
Smart Contracts Set to Go Live
One of the biggest changes is the launch of smart contracts. Smart contracts are programs that run on the blockchain. They allow apps to work without middlemen. With V23, developers may finally be able to build and deploy these contracts on Pi Network. This is a big step. Until now, Pi has focused mainly on mining and user growth. Now, it is moving toward real use cases. As a result, developers could start building useful tools and services on the network.
DApp Ecosystem Begins to Take Shape
Pi Network is also preparing to grow its app ecosystem. These apps, also called DApps, can include games, finance tools and marketplaces. Once the upgrade goes live. Developers can test and launch these apps more easily. This could help bring more activity to the network. Instead of just holding tokens, users may start using them in real ways. In simple terms, Pi could shift from a waiting phase to an active ecosystem.
Pi DEX May Follow Soon
Another key feature expected after V23 is a decentralized exchange, or DEX. A DEX allows users to trade tokens directly without a central platform. If Pi Network launches its own DEX, users could trade Pi and other assets inside the ecosystem. This would reduce reliance on external platforms. It would also give users more control over their funds. Because of this, a DEX could play a big role in Pi’s long-term growth.
Network Growth Supports the Upgrade
At the same time, Pi’s network continues to grow. Reports suggest that over 18 million users have completed KYC verification. This creates a strong base of real users. In addition, recent activity shows large token movements within the network. These could be part of ongoing migration and system updates. Together, these steps help prepare the network for new features.
A Key Moment for Pi Network
The V23 upgrade is not just another update. It could mark the start of a new phase. So far, Pi has focused on building its community. Now, it is moving toward real utility. If smart contracts, DApps and a DEX launch successfully, the network could become more active and useful. But much still depends on execution. Users will be watching closely to see if these features deliver as expected. For now, V23 looks like a major step forward for Pi Network.
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