- Pi Network releases Linux Node, expanding support beyond Windows and macOS.
- Protocol v23 brings on-chain KYC and prepares for smart contracts.
- Over 14.8M users verified, boosting adoption and mainnet readiness.
The native token of Pi Network, Pi Coin, has recorded its sharpest gain in weeks after months of bearish pressure.
At press time, PI was trading at $0.3534, up 3.2% in the past 24 hours.
The rally comes after Pi Network announced a major infrastructure upgrade and the release of a Linux-compatible version of its Node software, a move that is being seen as a crucial step toward mainnet activation.
Linux Node release signals stronger foundation
The release of the Pi Node for Linux marks a turning point for the project.
Until now, Pi Nodes were limited to macOS and Windows, which left operators and exchanges that rely on Linux systems on the sidelines.
By expanding to Linux, the network has opened its infrastructure to a wider set of users, service providers, and partners.
The Linux Node is designed to run standardised software that can auto-update, reducing the burden of manual maintenance.
This not only strengthens network stability but also minimises the risk of fragmentation.
For exchanges, which had long requested such compatibility, the upgrade lowers integration barriers and enhances the likelihood of smoother listings in the future.
Protocol upgrade prepares Pi for smart contracts
The Linux launch comes alongside Pi Network’s preparation for its most anticipated blockchain upgrade.
The network is rolling out protocol version 23, which introduces Know Your Customer (KYC) verification directly on-chain and paves the way for smart contract support through Stellar’s protocol 23 upgrade.
The transition is being carried out gradually, starting with Testnet1, then moving to Testnet2, before finally reaching the mainnet in the coming weeks.
The Pi Core Team has cautioned that minor outages may occur during the process, but users will be notified in advance.
Pi has released a Linux Node version and is preparing protocol upgrades. The highly requested Linux Node will provide standardized and easier infrastructure for partners and services. https://t.co/N9xIujj97I
There will also be an upcoming rollout of protocol upgrades that begins…
— Pi Network (@PiCoreTeam) August 27, 2025
Once complete, the upgrade is expected to align Pi more closely with global identity standards, including ERC-3643, while also enabling a new wave of decentralised applications to be built on its infrastructure.
Growing adoption and user verification
Beyond its technical upgrades, Pi Network continues to grow its verified community.
The team recently confirmed that more than 14.82 million users have completed KYC and migrated to the mainnet.
This milestone is significant because it allows for integrations that require verified identities, making Pi more appealing to potential partners, service providers, and regulated exchanges.
The push toward on-chain KYC also reflects a broader trend in the crypto industry, where identity and compliance are increasingly seen as prerequisites for mass adoption.
By embedding KYC within its blockchain, Pi is positioning itself as a network that bridges decentralised participation with regulatory trust.
Pi Network price outlook improves
Pi Coin’s price action has mirrored the optimism around these upgrades.
The token has rebounded from its all-time low of $0.3312 reached just days ago, climbing back into the $0.35 range.
Technical indicators suggest a potential shift in momentum, with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) forming a bullish divergence against recent price lows.
If buying pressure continues, analysts see room for the coin to test resistance near $0.40, which aligns with its 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA).
A successful breakout could open the door for a larger rally toward $0.60 in the months ahead, especially if exchange listings materialise.
On the downside, however, Pi coin remains closely tied to broader market sentiment and Bitcoin’s movements.
Any sustained weakness in the wider crypto market could push PI back toward $0.30 support.