Protocol: Ethereum Pectra Upgrade Finally Launched
Protocol: Ethereum Pectra Upgrade Finally Launched
Also: Bitcoin Devs Discuss OP_RETURN, US World Network Launch, Aztec Testnet Launch
Margot Nijkerk | Edited by Sam Kessler , May 7, 2025, 7:29 PM
What you need to know:
This article appears in the latest edition of The Protocol, our weekly newsletter exploring cryptocurrency technology one block at a time. Sign up here to get it in your inbox every Wednesday.
Welcome to The Protocol, CoinDesk’s weekly analysis of the biggest news in crypto tech. My name is Margot Nijkerk, and I’m the Ethereum protocol reporter on CoinDesk’s tech team.
In this issue:
- Ethereum Activates 'Pectra' Upgrade, Raising Max Stake to 2048 ETH
- Bitcoin developers plan to remove OP_RETURN limitation in next release
- Sam Altman's World Crypto Launches in US with Eye-Scanning Balls in 6 Cities
- Aztec's Privacy Rollup Goes to Testnet Amid Growing Demand
Network news
PECTRA FINALLY LAUNCHED ON ETHEREUM: Ethereum activated its long-awaited “Pectra” upgrade on Wednesday, marking the most significant overhaul of the blockchain since its merger in 2022. The upgrade is designed to streamline staking, improve wallet functionality, and increase overall efficiency. It comes amid growing competition and internal debate about Ethereum’s future. A key aspect of the upgrade is an increase in the maximum amount of ETH that can be staked from 32 to 2,048. This change could help speed up and streamline operations for stakers, the vast network of companies and individuals that keep the Ethereum network running. Previously, staking at scale required the creation of multiple validators; now, stakers can pool up to that amount within a single node. — Margot Nijkerk Read more.
BITCOIN CORE DEVELOPERS TO REMOVE OP_RETURN LIMIT, Sparking Debate: The debate over OP_RETURN in Bitcoin has become increasingly heated as developers of Bitcoin Core, the most popular node software, have announced plans to remove OP_RETURN entirely in an upcoming release. OP_RETURN is an 80-byte limit on the amount of arbitrary data that can be embedded in a Bitcoin transaction via a special non-spendable output field. The debate is centered on whether removing the 80-byte OP_RETURN limit promotes transparency and makes Bitcoin easier to use, or whether it opens up opportunities for abuse, spam, and a shift away from Bitcoin’s financial focus. — Sam Reynolds Read more.
WORLDCOIN COMES TO 6 US CITIES: Sam Altman’s blockchain project World is launching in the US with the aim of deploying 7,500 eye-scanning “balls” in cities across the country by the end of the year. These chrome, bowling ball-shaped devices will scan eyeballs to verify users’ identities and will initially be available in six “key innovation hubs”: Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, and San Francisco. Those who dare to peer into the ball will gain access to the World app and can earn World WLD tokens. By the end of the year, the project plans to have enough balls across the US to provide access to the World network to 180 million Americans, more than half the population. — Cheyenne Ligon and Margot Nijkerk Read more.
