Pi Network is preparing to upgrade on October 16, with bigger goals

Core Points

Pi Network has set a target date for the upgrade of Protocol 28 as October 16. The focus of this upgrade is to optimize transaction data processing and application maintenance capabilities. Currently, Pi has not announced the launch date or specific reward rules for OUSD (Open USD) stablecoin. The next key test is whether the application can translate these technical plans into actually usable payment functions.

Protocol 28 aims to optimize the systems behind Pi applications

Pi Network plans to launch a Protocol 28 upgrade on its main network, following a move to migrate its test network to the protocol. According to an update announcement from the Pi core team on September 25, the new version mainly improves the network's ability to process transaction data delays, allows developers to upgrade smart contract groups in batches, and provides applications with a more secure way to store data changes.

These improvements are at the bottom of the ecosystem's user-oriented interface. With the expansion of smart contracts and stored records in marketplaces, games or payment services, it is increasingly difficult to update apps, especially when developers need to change multiple associated elements at the same time. Protocol 28 is designed to reduce this operational burden and help applications continue to evolve without disrupting the existing user experience.

For PI holders, the direct impact of this upgrade is limited. This version does not announce token redemption, mining mechanism changes or wallet balance adjustments. Its true value depends on what kind of application ecosystem developers can build after the new rules are implemented.

Popular Understanding Protocol 28:它为 Pi 开发者提供了更可靠的手段来处理数据延迟、更新关联的智能合约，并在产品成长过程中安全地变更应用记录。

OUSD 解决的是独立的支付难题

当应用程序拥有可靠的定价工具和结算方式时，上述开发工作将更具实用价值。Pi Network 在 10 月 8 日发布的稳定币更新公告中解释了为何项目方选择与 Open Standard（Open USD 背后的公司）合作。

Pi 指出，在涉及会计记账、结算以及与网络外部实体交互等对价格稳定性有要求的场景中，稳定币能发挥重要作用。同时，Pi 强调 PI 仍将是整个生态系统中的主要加密货币，而稳定币仅服务于那些以美元计价更为实用的特定场景。

这对于使用 Pi 应用程序的商家而言意义重大。卖家可能更倾向于以挂钩美元的资产来设定商品或服务的价格，而不是随着市场波动反复调整 PI 的标价。同样的稳定性也有助于应用向承包商支付款项、完成订单结算或在交易期间锁定资金。

Open Standard 表示，OUSD 已在其自身基础设施上正式上线，并将 Pi Network 列为生态系统合作伙伴之一。然而，Pi 方面尚未说明 OUSD 何时通过 Pi Wallet 或 Pi 应用程序可用，用户如何获取或赎回该代币，以及哪些特定商户将支持它。

Pi 仍需将计划转化为产品

The recent response of PI tokens to the announcement has been relatively flat. Although price fluctuations do not directly prove traders 'caution, available information suggests that there are still a number of practical steps that need to be addressed. Agreement 28 itself does not directly create payment services, and the OUSD partnership has not yet produced a public wallet process, supported application list, or reward plan.

These missing details will determine whether this cooperation becomes a practical payment option. Merchants need clear settlement and redemption paths; developers need supported tools and compliance guidance; and users need to be clear about where to hold, consume, withdraw or redeem any stablecoin provided through the ecosystem.

Previously, Pi released a developer version in September that includes local storage, application-specific pledge data, and file sharing tools. Previous reports have detailed how these features affect the Pi's application layer; the new protocol focuses on its underlying network rules.

Focus after October 16

The planned mainnet activation will first show whether the upgrade process is smooth. More valuable evidence will emerge in the coming months, when Pi's technological changes collide with its payments vision:

• Mainnetwork implementation: Can node operators complete upgrades without disrupting the network.
• Developer Adoption Rate: Which applications will leverage Protocol 28 's contract and data management capabilities.
• stablecoin design: Pi plans how to provide OUSD access, including wallets, redemption and compliance arrangements.
• Real payment use case: Whether merchants and apps start using stablecoins for daily transactions.
• Reward disclosure: Will Pi announce the qualifications, terms and timetable of the Pioneer rewards programme?

On October 16, it will be verified whether Pi can smoothly deploy Protocol 28 to the main network. Greater payment tests follow: whether developers will build services that require stable pricing, and whether Pi can introduce OUSD on the premise of expanding activities and retaining the PI's established role.

This article is for reference only and does not constitute investment advice. The agreement timetable, cooperation terms and stablecoin implementation details may change.