- Pi Network has released a Linux Node, extending support beyond Windows and macOS.
- Protocol v23 introduces on-chain KYC and prepares the network for smart contract support.
- More than 14.82 million users have completed verification, boosting adoption and mainnet readiness.
The native Pi token, Pi Coin, posted its largest gain in weeks after months of downward pressure.
At the time of writing, PI is trading at $0.3534, up 3.2% in the past 24 hours.
This rebound followed Pi Network’s announcement of a major infrastructure upgrade and the release of a Linux-compatible version of its Node software, a move seen as a key step toward mainnet launch.
Linux Node release marks a stronger infrastructure
The release of the Pi Node for Linux represents 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 waiting on the sidelines.
By expanding to Linux, the network opens its infrastructure to a broader range of users, service providers, and partners.
The Linux Node is designed to run standardized software that can update automatically, reducing the need for manual maintenance.
This approach not only improves network stability but also minimizes the risk of fragmentation.
For exchanges that have long requested Linux compatibility, the upgrade lowers integration barriers and increases the likelihood of smoother future listings.
Protocol upgrade prepares Pi for smart contracts
The Linux release coincides with Pi Network’s preparations for its most anticipated blockchain upgrade.
The network is rolling out Protocol v23, which introduces on-chain Know Your Customer (KYC) verification and, through a Stellar-based upgrade, paves the way for smart contract support.
The transition will be phased, starting with Testnet1, then moving to Testnet2, and finally reaching the mainnet in the coming weeks.
Pi Core has warned that minor disruptions may occur during the process but said 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 such as ERC-3643 and enable a new wave of decentralized applications to build on its infrastructure.
Growing adoption and user verification
Beyond the technical upgrades, Pi Network continues to expand its verified community.
The team recently confirmed that more than 14,820,000 users have completed KYC and migrated to the mainnet.
This milestone matters because it enables integrations that require verified identities, making Pi more attractive to potential partners, service providers, and regulated exchanges.
The push for on-chain KYC also mirrors a broader industry trend in which identity and compliance are increasingly viewed as prerequisites for mass adoption.
By embedding KYC into its blockchain, Pi positions itself as a network that links decentralized participation with regulatory trust.
Improved outlook for Pi Network price
Pi Coin’s price action reflects optimism around these upgrades.
The token has rebounded from a recent low of $0.3312 to trade back in the $0.35 range.
Technical indicators suggest momentum may be shifting: the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has formed a bullish divergence against recent price lows.
If buying pressure continues, analysts see room for PI to test resistance near $0.40, a level that lines up with its 50-day exponential moving average (EMA).
A successful break above that level could open the door to a larger rebound toward $0.60 in the coming months, especially if exchange listings materialize.
On the downside, Pi remains correlated with broader market sentiment and Bitcoin’s price action.
Any prolonged weakness in the wider cryptocurrency market could push PI back toward support around $0.30.