Ethereum’s Pectra Upgrade Advances With Key Improvements but Mainnet Launch Still in Question

Key Takeaways

• Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade has gone live on the Sepolia testnet, bringing it one step closer to the mainnet.
• The mainnet rollout could face delays due to lingering issues with the Holesky testnet. Developers expect to resolve them within two weeks.
• The upgrade aims to enhance scalability, functionality, and security on the Ethereum network.

Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade has been successfully activated on the Sepolia testnet, marking a key milestone in its phased rollout.

The update, designed to improve staking functionality, Layer-2 scalability, and overall network performance, is an important step before deployment on the mainnet.

However, the launch may not proceed as scheduled.

Persistent technical issues on both the Holesky and Sepolia testnets have cast doubt on the upgrade’s timeline, with developers needing at least 18 more days to address them.

A community update is expected on March 6, which could provide a clearer roadmap.

Sepolia Deployment Signals Progress, but Holesky Issues Persist

The Pectra upgrade is a combination of two major Ethereum updates—Prague and Electra—and is expected to significantly improve network scalability through sharding technology and Layer-2 solutions like rollups.

However, despite Sepolia’s activation, challenges remain.

Shortly after the testnet deployment, developers encountered an issue with the custom deposit contract—the same problem that persisted on Holesky.

If these issues aren’t resolved in time, the mainnet launch could slip from its expected late March or early April timeline.

Successful deployment on the Ethereum mainnet could have broader implications.

It would pave the way for Ethereum-based staking ETFs, potentially attracting institutional investors.

With the pro-crypto Trump administration already discussing staking regulations, the upgrade’s completion could align with new Ethereum investment products hitting the market.

Can Pectra Reverse Ethereum’s Sluggish Performance?

Unlike other major cryptocurrencies, Ethereum has struggled to capitalize on the ongoing bull run. While Bitcoin and several altcoins have reached new highs, ETH remains stuck below $3,000.

Frequent technical delays and testnet issues have slowed Ethereum’s roadmap, while competition from cheaper and faster blockchain alternatives has eaten into its dominance.

The Pectra upgrade, by addressing scalability concerns, could reinvigorate developer activity and restore some lost momentum.

One key improvement in Pectra is the replacement of EIP-3074 with EIP-7702, enhancing Ethereum’s flexibility and usability.

The upgrade is being rolled out in two phases, with the first phase originally scheduled for completion by March 2025.

However, delays on Holesky could push this into April. The second phase, expected next year, will introduce further innovations, including the EVM Object Format (EOF) and PeerDAS.

While the upgrade promises to enhance Ethereum’s technical capabilities, its immediate impact on price and adoption remains uncertain—especially if further delays emerge.